UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski shocked the world on Sunday at UFC 284. He made the UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev ‘look human’ and gave the Russian the toughest fight of his career. Although the Aussie came up short on the scorecards, he came closer to victory than any other fighter had in the past.
In what was thought to be a controversial decision, the Aussie believes he won rounds 2, 3 and 5 during Sunday’s super fight. Makhachev secured a unanimous decision win to retain his lightweight title. However, Volkanovski believes the Russian didn’t do enough to take the No. 1 pound-for-pound spot in Perth.
“A lot of people thought I won that fight, I thought I won that fight, and I moved up. We’re talking about pound-for-pound. Imagine if we were in the same weight class. I don’t want to be that guy, but if he was just a featherweight in my division, I’d squash him. … It’s a walk in the park. No offense to him, but that’s legit,” Volkanovski told The MMA Hour
“I think I still proved I’m the better fighter and I’m pound-for-pound No. 1. But that’s not up to me.”
With both parties claiming they won the fight, the two champions have repeatedly stated they would like a rematch to prove who is the better fighter.
Makhachev is currently in a similar position to when Volkanovski defeated Max Holloway for the second time. While the Russian is trying to convince the fans of his decisive win over Volkanovski, the Aussie understands the reception to that will not be forthcoming and what Makhachev will say next will define his character.
“I think it depends on him. He knows that this is going to leave a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths. I’ve been there before. I know what it feels like, and he’s going to want to prove it to people. I would if I was in his position. I wouldn’t be happy with that. … If he doesn’t, we know why,” Volkanovski said.
