Islam Makhachev Demolishes Alexander Volkanovski :
On Saturday night, Islam Makhachev made a statement by defeating Alexander Volkanovski in a devastating first-round knockout. The win was Makhachev’s fourth successful defense of his UFC lightweight title.
Volkanovski Suffers First UFC Loss in Stunning Knockout Defeat to Makhachev:
The fight began with Makhachev immediately targeting Volkanovski’s legs with leg kicks. After a few minutes, Makhachev landed a powerful body kick that wobbled Volkanovski. Makhachev then followed up with a head kick that sent Volkanovski crashing to the canvas.
Volkanovski attempted to get back to his feet, but Makhachev swarmed him with punches and elbows. The referee stopped the fight at 3:06 of the first round.
The win was a major victory for Makhachev, who had been criticized by some for his lack of finishing power. The knockout also served as a reminder of Makhachev’s elite striking skills.
With the win, Makhachev has established himself as the clear-cut No. 1 lightweight in the world. He is now a legitimate contender for the UFC pound-for-pound title.
- The fight was a rematch of a February 2023 fight that Makhachev won by unanimous decision.
- Volkanovski was fighting on just 12 days’ notice after his original opponent, Charles Oliveira, was forced to withdraw due to injury.
- Makhachev’s win was his 10th consecutive victory.
The fight began with Makhachev immediately attacking Volkanovski’s legs with leg kicks. Volkanovski was able to defend the kicks for a few minutes, but Makhachev eventually landed a powerful body kick that wobbled him.
Makhachev followed up with a head kick that sent Volkanovski crashing to the canvas. Volkanovski attempted to get back to his feet, but Makhachev swarmed him with punches and elbows. The referee stopped the fight at 3:06 of the first round.
The win was a major victory for Makhachev, who had been criticized by some for his lack of finishing power. The knockout also served as a reminder of Makhachev’s elite striking skills.
With the win, Makhachev has established himself as the clear-cut No. 1 lightweight in the world. He is now a legitimate contender for the UFC pound-for-pound title.