Rematch! Alexander Volkanovski ‘definitely’ thinks he beat Islam Makhachev on second viewing | UFC 284

UFC Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, defended his title last night (Sat., Feb 11, 2023) against UFC Featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, inside RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, via unanimous decision (watch highlights).

During UFC 284’s post-fight press conference (watch it here), Volkanovski was disappointed with the fight because he felt he could have won; however, he gave props to his opponent for winning the fight even though it was super close.

But, a few hours after the fight, Volkanovski recanted his statement via Twitter, revealing he definitely thought he won after a quick rewatch back at the hotel.

“Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won 2,3, and 5,” Volkanovski wrote. “Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised! Let’s do the rematch, anywhere, anytime!”

Nate Diaz is in full agreement.

Nevertheless, round two is clearly the five-minute section of the bout that will be dissected for weeks and months ahead because it was so close. The ringside judges, though, were shockingly all in agreement that Makhachev did enough to take it:

Regardless of the outcome, there are countless fight fans who feel that Volkanovski (25-2), even in defeat, proved that he was (and still is) the No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter on UFC’s loaded roster.

Moving forward, the loss snapped the Australian’s incredible 22-fight win streak. He will likely now have to forget about a rematch and refocus on the Featherweight division, where Yair Rodriguez — who won the interim title against Josh Emmett in UFC 284’s co-main event (watch highlights) — will be waiting.

And “El Pantera” is going to be tough to handle.

For complete UFC 284 results and coverage click here.