Delivered by Andrew Faraca
Overview
The matchup between Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev was one of the biggest fights in UFC history and lived up to the hype. Regardless of who won the bout, Volk gave him a better fight than anyone in his weight class, proving that Islam is beatable and not the immortal fighter we all thought him to be. Furthermore, it displays just how good Volk is by going all five rounds and winning two of them, including a controversial 3rd.
My Opinion
People are calling this fight a robbery, saying that Volkanovski won but it was a close fight and I personally believe that Islam won.
Regardless of who you believe won the matchup, it was a great fight between two of the greatest fighters in UFC. The fight was extremely enjoyable, going all 5 rounds, ultimately ending with Islam getting his hand raised.
The Fight
[Volkanovski] being able to defend Islam’s grappling was an art and his striking was on point.
Volkanovski wasn’t afraid to go on the attack but Makhachev played to his strengths, taking Volk down and spending much of the fight with him pinned on the canvas next to the fence.
Volkanovski showed immense endurance and was able to somehow get out of countless chokeholds and somehow defended well enough to not get submitted
Makhachev had frequent take-downs and used his Dagestanie wrestling skills to ultimately get the nod on the final scorecards.
Neither fighters were scared of each other and very much respected each other and this fight was all offense with countless takedowns, significant strikes, and kicks.
After this fight Volk’s stock went up and Islam’s went down and shows he is beatable, especially because Volk is a 45er, proving that these two are the best in the game.
What’s at stake?
Volk remains the pound for pound #1 and Islam is #2 rightfully so. Because Islam cut down to 155 and Volkanovski went UP to 155 it wasn’t a true P.F.P fight, and Alexander was going for double champion. Even though it wasn’t a true P.F.P. fight they put that on the line as well as the 155lb belt.
The fight was scored unanimously (48-47 x2, 49-46) but Volkanovski made him work hard for it in front of his Australian crowd.
