Following the clash at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, Islam Makhachev from Russia and Australia’s Alex Volkanovski wasted little time in signaling a quick return to the cage. The two champions laid out clear intentions for a rematch right away, underscoring the hype surrounding a potential trilogy or another high-stakes showdown at lightweight.
Makhachev secured victory over Volkanovski by unanimous decision after five grueling rounds, with scorecards reading 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. The win marked a landmark moment for the Russian, improving his professional ledger with a loss still standing as a minor footnote in a growing title reign. He asserted his control over the lightweight division, celebrating the first successful defense of his title in a fight that tested every facet of his skill set.
In the immediate aftermath, Makhachev made it known that he was prepared to meet Volkanovski again if the UFC opted to book a rematch. His message was simple and direct: the door was open, and he was ready to step back into the octagon whenever the promotion called. Volkanovski echoed the sentiment with equal resolve, signaling that a rematch would be welcome and that he was eager to test himself against the reigning champion once more.
The victory at Perth extended Makhachev’s ascent in the sport, highlighting his leadership as the lightweight champion. The win served as a milestone in a campaign that has seen him navigate pressure from a series of top contenders and maintain momentum at the pinnacle of the division.
Earlier in the year, at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev had faced Brazilian challenger Charles Oliveira in a title bout that underscored the depth of the division. The Russian fighter delivered a decisive second round submission, reinforcing his claim to the belt and reinforcing the narrative of his ascent through the ranks of mixed martial arts’ elite.
Additionally, public reactions across the MMA community were notable. Observers from Moscow Lokomotiv and beyond commented on the emotional resonance of Makhachev’s victory over Volkanovski, underscoring the broader impact such wins have on a fighter’s legacy in the sport’s most competitive circle.