The UFC has released the referee notes from the Perth main event featuring Islam Makhachev versus Alexander Volkanovski. The fight capped UFC 284 and ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Makhachev, confirming his status as the lightweight champion in a high stakes showdown watched by fans across North America and beyond.
Officials Delivering Consensus: The judges scored the bout 49 to 46 in favor of Makhachev. Derek Cleary recorded the same result for all three official scorecards, while Ben Cartlidge and David Lethaby mirrored the 48 to 47 tally in their own assessments. The formal notes reflect a fight where precision and timing underpinned the champion’s approach and the challenger’s relentless pace.
Championship Trace: This victory marks the first defense of the UFC Lightweight Championship for Makhachev. His professional record moves to 24 wins against one loss, a testament to sustained excellence inside the octagon and across top competition. Volkanovski, who rose to featherweight supremacy before moving up to challenge for the lightweight belt, exits with a loss that halts a potential two belt bid. His career now sits at 25 wins, and this setback is noted as the lone defeat within his UFC tenure to date.
Reaction from the MMA Community: Figures within the sport acknowledged the result as a significant moment in the ongoing rivalry between the two champions. Veteran fighters and analysts weighed in on the strategy and execution that guided the outcome, underscoring how the fight hinged on takedown defense, control positions, and the ability to impose pace on a veteran opponent. The response from the broader MMA world highlighted respect for both athletes while recognizing the implications for future matchups and rankings.