Artem Tarasov, a Russian blogger and rising pop-MMA figure, offered his take on what he sees as the turning points in the Lightweight Championship title fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Tarasov argues that Islam’s late dominance was the result of his ability to shape the fight in the third round and to maintain control for an extended stretch, which he believes tipped the balance in his favor.
Tarasov noted that Makhachev demonstrated capable stand-up skills against a well-rounded opponent like Volkanovski. He observed that Islam absorbed a few sharp strikes to the knee and the hand, yet remained composed and resilient enough to press forward. By contrast, Volkanovski was often advancing through quick, organized raids, while Makhachev used precise footwork to create angles and keep the exchanges under his command. Tarasov described the bout as a highly impressive display of technique and strategy from both fighters, a contest where each moment could swing the outcome and where timing played a crucial role.
According to Tarasov, the decisive moment came when Islam brought Volkanovski down and then controlled the pace as he worked to capitalize on the position. He emphasized that Volkanovski’s experience and cerebral approach made him difficult to surprise with simple transitions, yet Makhachev’s beltline pressure and controlled grappling gradually wore him down. The fight, Tarasov contends, felt like it lasted a mere minute in the moment, even as it unfolded over a lengthy 25 minutes, underscoring the intensity and depth of tactical exchange that defined the match.
Makhachev secured the UFC lightweight title with a unanimous decision from the judges. The official scorecards read 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 in favor of Makhachev, reflecting a closely contested battle that leaned in his favor as the rounds progressed and the pace shifted toward his preferred grappling tempo. Tarasov’s reflections align with a broader consensus that the champion’s ability to blend striking with clinch work and takedown control played a critical role in sealing the victory.
Earlier remarks from Tarasov indicated a concern about a potential unfair judgment against Makhachev, a reminder of how closely viewed these title bouts are by observers and fans alike. Tarasov stressed that while the fight was tightly contested, the outcome remained within the expected spectrum for a championship clash between two elite lightweights, each bringing a clear strategic game to the cage. The discussion around the match continues to highlight the evolving nature of the fighter pairings and the tactical evolution inside the octagon, as analysts, fans, and fighters alike evaluate the nuances that influenced the result. (Tarasov, as reported by socialbites.ca)