UFC 284 would saw promotion return to Australia for the first time since 2019.
The main event looked set to deliver an underdog shock and Joe Rogan was not the only one that felt the home favourite had been hard done by.
Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski moved up to a weight class, from featherweight, in order to challenge lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for the 155 pound belt. While in the co-main event, the interim championship between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett would be settled.
The pay-per-view card was filled with drama, action, and high stakes. We asked Donal Long to give us his top three take-aways from the main card:
Islam Makhachev Defends Lightweight Belt
Islam Makhachev shows he’s worthy of being the new pound for pound number one fighter in the UFC after an impressive display at UFC 284. The Russian fighter overcame a lot of challenges from “hard opponent” Alexander Volkanovski to retain his title. A back and forth affair would see Makhachev get the nod on the judges scorecards.
The fight would see both men scoring knockdowns, having dominant positions and securing promising moments. However, the title would be returning to Dagestan. “I’m the best fighter in the World Right now,” the champ declared, but not everyone was convinced after the tight finish.
Joe Rogan was doing a watch-along, back in his podcast studios, and both he, Brendan Schaub and Bryan Callen were convinced the Aussie had done enough to become ‘champ champ’.
https://twitter.com/andrefoulem/status/1624700306817961986
Despite being a sizeable underdog, Alexander Volkanovski showed a well rounded game meaning he “gave himself a chance.” Despite not getting the decision on the night, he felt it was “a fun fight.” Volkanovski will now return his attention to the lightweight division. However, he feels another fight with Makhachev might be in his future; “Maybe we’ll settle pound for pound number one again.”
Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won 2,3 and 5. Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised! Let’s do the rematch, anywhere, anytime! 👊
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) February 12, 2023
Back in the studio with Joe Rogan, Brendan Schaub declared, “Volkanovski was f***ing robbed” as Rogan himself exclaimed, “Oh my God, oh my God!”
https://twitter.com/CulturedUpdatez/status/1624661125957664768
Yair Rodriguez wins Interim Featherweight Belt
Yair Rodriguez became an interim champion after his second round submission over Josh Emmett. The Mexican-born kickboxer overcame adversity after being dropped in the first round.
Rodriguez utilised his kickboxing and range to do damage to Emmett on the feet. However, when Emmett and Rodriguez hit the ground, the new interim champion showed his ground game. A submission from the bottom now sees Rodriguez become the second new Mexican champion of the year.
“It means a lot, it’s been a dream for years,” he declared. An interim belt now means Rodriguez can expect a featherweight title shot against Alexander Volkanovski.
Quick night at the office for Jack Della Maddalena
Jack Della Maddalena proved himself to be a worthy contender in the welterweight division. In the first round vs Randy Brown, he got a submission win with a rear naked choke.
Della Maddalena spoke in his post fight interview stating; “As soon as he gave me the neck, it was done.”
Despite a significant reach advantage, Maddalena once again showcased his boxing skills. Brutally dropping Brown with a punch, he capitalised on the situation.
The Australian showed he belongs with the best welterweights with an impressive performance. The 26 year old wants to progress his career after his win. “I want someone in the top 15”.
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