Makhachev KOs Volkanovski to to retain the UFC lightweight title

• Islam Makhachev knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the first round to retain his lightweight title at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi
• Makhachev’s knockout win brings to an end the rivalry that was between the two stars and also ends Volkanovski’s hopes of winning a second title in the featherweight division

Islam Makhachev knocked out Alexander Volkanovski in the first round to retain his lightweight title at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev (26-1-0) dropped his Australian opponent with a picture-perfect left high kick and landed several hammering blows, leading to the referee to stop the fight.

Makhachev’s win ties him for the third-longest win streak in UFC history (13). The Russian watched featherweight champion Volkanovski enter the octagon ring to the hit “Land Down Under” inside Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Moments later, it was him who stepped in the ring to defend his title against an opponent who accepted his challenge on 12 days’ notice.

Alexander Volkanovski took the fight against Islam Makhachev on a short notice after Charles Oliveira was removed due to injury. Photo/ Bleacher Report.

Volkanovski took the fight on such a short notice after Makhachev’s original opponent, Charles Oliveira, was removed due to an eye injury. He also wanted to revenge his loss at UFC 284 in February this year. But perhaps no amount of preparation on such a short notice could have prepared him to secure victory against Makhachev.

The first fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski was close, with some arguing that Volkanovski should have been declared the winner. Their first encounter went to five rounds, but Makhachev left no doubt over who is the superior fighter this time.

The Russian immediately asserted his offence by targeting his opponent’s legs with leg kicks. Volkanovski then seemed to have gotten momentum a short while later as the two wrestled against the cage. He avoided a takedown but ended up taking a number of knees from Makhachev.

After escaping a Thai clinch, Makhachev created space and launched a kick high that crashed into Volkanovski’s head. The devastating kick sent Volkanovski to the canvas and a series of punches followed until the referee intervened. Makhachev was pulled off Volkanovski at the 3:06 mark.

His knockout win brings to an end the rivalry that was between the two stars. It also ends Volkanovski’s hopes of winning a second title in the featherweight division.

Islam Makhachev. Photo/ MMA Fighting.

Speaking after the fight, Islam Makhachev described Alexander Volkanovski as a real champion.

“Thank you to Volkanovski. You have to turn out the lights to beat this guy. He will never give up. He will fight all five rounds, he is a real champion.” BBC Sports quotes Makhachev. 

There have been only four simultaneous double champions in UFC, Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier and Henry Cejudo. Volkanovski was aiming to becoming the fifth but was unlucky against a familiar opponent who has beaten him 12 consecutive times in 14 matches.

The 35-year-old said after the fight against Makhachev that his job at lightweight was done and he’ll go back to defending the featherweight title.