Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (35, Australia), recognized as the UFC pound-for-pound number one, set out to conquer the two weight classes, but unfortunately failed to achieve his goal.

Volkanovski was judged after a fierce battle with current champion Islam Makhachev (32, Russia) in the lightweight title match at the mixed martial arts event ‘UFC 284: Volkanovski vs Makhachev’ held at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on the 12th (hereinafter Korean time). Lost by unanimous decision.

Two of the three assistant referees scored 48-47 and one scored 49-46, giving Makachev a higher score. Although he lost, Volkanovski showed off his ability to overcome the inferiority in his weight class and drive Makachev to the brink. All the fans were enthusiastic and moved by a great match.

After making his UFC debut in 2016, Volkanovski, who continued his 12-fight undefeated streak, tasted his first defeat in the UFC. At featherweight, his own original weight class, he is still undefeated. His individual career record was 25 wins and 2 losses.

Makachev, who became the lightweight champion by beating Charles Oliveira (Brazil) in October of last year, succeeded in his first defense. Makachev, who won 12 consecutive UFC wins, recorded a career record of 24 wins and 1 loss.

In the first round, Volkanovski pressed Makachev with a standing blow. He shook his opponents by constantly landing punches and kicks. Makachev was also not easy. With two minutes left in the first round, Makachev’s counter punch landed on Volkanovski in the punch room. Slightly shocked, Volkanovski hesitated for a moment. Makachev, an extreme wrestler, took the opportunity to attempt a takedown.

Makhachev wrapped Volkanovski from behind, grabbed his face with his arms, and attempted a rear-naked choke. Volkanovski’s face turned red little by little. However, Volkanovski struggled to get out of the technique and the first round was over. The first round was Makachev’s round.

Even in the second round, Volkanovski tried to break the game with a blow. The punch landed and Makhachev lost control. Makhachev grabbed Volkanovski’s leg and tried to drag him to the ground. However, Volkanovski did not get caught and immediately got out of the standings. Makhachev also hit Volkanovski with punches and kicks in the second half of the second round. Following a fierce blow and defense battle, a clinch fight continued at the last minute.

The third round was followed by a lull. We exchanged blows until the middle of the round, but there were not many final blows. Makachev knocked Volkanovski down again with about two minutes left in the round. Immediately, Volkanovski got up and pushed Makachev towards the fence and punched him.

Volkanovski had a golden opportunity at the end of the third round. As Volkanovski pushed in, Makhachev stepped back and slipped and fell. Volkanovski did not miss the gap and opened fire. Makachev also fired back without wavering.

Makachev succeeded in a surprise double leg takedown with 3 minutes left in the 4th round and covered Volkanovski from behind. Volkanovski struggled to get out. However, Makachev kept his torso completely immobilized with both legs and continued the attack. Volkanovski also desperately counterattacked by repeatedly punching Makachev in the face. It was a round where Makachev definitely won.

Volkanovski looked for a big turnaround in the fifth round. He countered with blows, parrying Makachev’s tenacious takedown attempts. Even in clinch and wrestling fights, Volkanovski was not pushed back.

At the end of the round, he landed a right hand punch that knocked Makachev down. Volkanovski pressed Makachev from above and then pounded indiscriminately from the top position. Round 5 was a moment where Volkanovski clearly dominated.

The decision was announced and Volkanovski’s hand did not rise. Volkanovsky’s face was full of disappointment, but he admitted defeat. They applauded and congratulated Makachev on his victory. On the other hand, Makachev, who couldn’t hide his joy, shared a warm hug with the staff.

“I knew Makachev was a good player and he was actually a strong fighter,” said Volkanovski. “I thought I could win, but I didn’t get good results in a positional fight,” he added. “After continuing to compete at featherweight, I want to try again at lightweight at some point.” 바카라

On the other hand, Makhachev, who won, said, “It was a great match and Volkanovski was a really tough fight.” As the Australian fans continued to boo, he said, “whether you like me or not, I’m the best fighter” and “next time I want to fight a real lightweight contender.”