UFC 284: Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Results and Review

UFC 284: Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Results and Review

UFC 284 showed an unbelievable event rocking the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The Aussie fans got the comeback show they deserved, as some outstanding fights over-delivered and the crowd atmosphere was on fire! 

Islam Makhachev (24-1) defeats Alexander Volkanovski (25-2) via Unanimous Decision (48,47, 48-47, 49,46) - Lightweight Championship Bout 

Extremely competitive first 2 rounds, both men staggering each other on the feet. Volkanovski showed incredibly impressive grappling and strength to hold off the Dagestani in what looked like 50/50 exchanges. Fights don't get much higher level than this and the competitivity makes magnitude of the bout even higher.

The grappling defence of the challenger held up so well, both men are forced to keep it standing for a continued close fight. Pretty even on significant strikes, the fighters seek opportunities to capitalize on. A momentary lapse in concentration allowed a takedown and body lock by the champion in the fourth. Alex more than happy to talk and throw strikes with his back taken shows the confidence of the Featherweight Champ.

Makhachev continued to land slightly more significant strikes but it was the grappling defence by Volk that erupted the RAC Arena. The heart and dog in the 145 Champ gave Islam some real trouble in the final moments of the fight, landing big shots in the clinch and from a top position on the ground.

Islam Makhachev retained his Lightweight Title in Perth, Australia, receiving the nods from the judges and rightfully so. However, the stock of Volkanovski did not drop even one point. The home country hero put on a hell of a performance and show for the crowd and will return to Featherweight to defend his throne.  

Yair Rodriguez (15-3) defeats Josh Emmet (18-3) in Round 2 via Submission (Triangle Choke) - Featherweight Championship Bout

Yair utilized his brutally painful, lightning-quick kicks to maintain the distance and punish the body of Emmet. The first 3 minutes gave the fans a kicking masterclass of range and technique by the Mexican. Josh managed to find his way to the inside exchange blows and force his opponent to the ground and gain some top control, although Yair fought incredibly off his back.

Yair continued to tenderize the body and fire those signature kicks from both legs. Rodriguez educating the Aussie fans on the disparaging difference in striking. Emmet's only success came from trading in the pocket or from a takedown, which he managed to secure in the second. Unfortunately, for the American, Yair Rodriguez's ground game in completely underrated as he threw strikes off his back and craftily locked in a triangle choke to finish the fight. 

Mexico breeds another Champion in the name of Yair 'El Pantera' Rodriguez. The Interim Featherweight Title belongs to the well deserving Mexican native, who will be next in line to face the Champion Alexander Volkanovski and what a fight it will be. 

Jack Della Maddalena (14-2) defeats Randy Brown (16-5) in Round 1 via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Welterweight Bout

A Randy Brown speed and reach advantage was obvious from the start. However, Jack stormed the centre of the Octagon and landed a thunderous looping right hook to put the Jamaican New Yorker on wobbly legs. A disciplined game on the mat saw hammer fists transition to a tight RNC.

A dream come true for Jack Della Maddalena as Perth's very own obtained the perfect win in front of his hometown. The native looks forward to a holiday in Bali, then getting back to work to face a top-15 opponent!

Justin Tafa (6-3) defeats Parker Porter (13-8) in Round 1 via KO (Punch) - Heavyweight Bout

A quick fight showcased Tafa placing a perfectly placed left hand stopping his opponent in fast fashion. The Brisbane fighter claimed he wanted redemption after his loss in Melbourne. A crowd-pleasing finish sure gave him and his team the satisfaction of executing such a performance in their home country. 

Jimmy Crute (12-3) vs Alonzo Menifield (13-3) via Unanimous Draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28) - Light-Heavyweight Bout

The fighters came out aggressive, Crute securing a takedown early to force and dominate the grappling. Menifield managed to land some hard shots in a moment of disengagement dropping Crute twice for a solid end to the first round.

The American found himself in the lead in the second round as well, exhausting Jimmy despite the home crowd buzz. The heart of the Aussie kept the battle on its feet, absorbing heavy damage and handing the advantage to Menifield.

A fantastic back-and-forth battle saw the advantage on the feet keep to Menifield. Crute seeking a path to victory through takedowns and grappling on the ground. A fence grab in the third saw a point deduction from referee Marc Goddard as it directly prevented a takedown from the Australian.

The final outcome ended in a draw with both combatants willing to run it back.    

Modestas Bukauskas (14-5) defeats Tyson Pedro (9-4) via Unanimous Decision - Light-Heavyweight Bout

Josh Culibao (11-1) defeats Melsik Baghdasaryan (7-2) in Round 2 via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) - Featherweight Bout

Kleydson Rodrigues (8-2) defeats Shannon Ross (13-7) in Round 1 via KO/TKO - Flyweight 

Jamie Mullarkey (16-5) defeats Francisco Prado (11-0) via Decision - Lightweight Bout

The end result saw Pound 4 Pound No.1 Alexander Volkanovski lose the fight but retain his P4P No.1 Status. Islam Makhachev continues to sit atop the Lightweight throne. Given one of the hardest fights he'll ever endure. Everyone left a winner after UFC 284, especially the fans as they got to witness what is being labelled the highest level MMA Bout of all time. 

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