Islam Makhachev moves top of the world after thrilling win against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
- Planet Sport writer
- 12 February 2023
Islam Makhachev replaced Alexander Volkanovski as pound-for-pound world number one as UFC 284 drew to an exciting conclusion in Perth.
UFC lightweight champion Makhachev retained his title against featherweight counterpart Volkanovski by virtue of a unanimous decision after five tooth-and-nail rounds at the RAC Arena.
In the process, the Russian extended his winning run to 12 bouts, although Australia's Volkanovski, who went into the fight as the underdog, gave as good as he got for long periods.
Elsewhere, Mexico's Yair Rodriguez forced American Josh Emmett into a second-round submission, while Australia's Jack Della Maddalena got the better of Randy Brown of Jamaica in similar style inside the opening three minutes.
New Zealand's Justin Tafa knocked out America's Parker Porter with a first-round punch and Australian Jimmy Crute and American opponent Alonzo Menifield could not be separated in a majority draw.
