Islam Makhachev has retained his UFC lightweight championship after an epic encounter with Alexander Volkanovski – and the people aren’t happy.
Boos rang out around Perth’s RAC Arena when it was confirmed Makhachev had won via unanimous decision, with the judges marking the fight 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.
While the Russian was clearly a cut above the Australian in the opening rounds, regularly taking Volkanovski to the floor, a stunning fifth-round onslaught from the 34-year old revived hopes of a remarkable comeback win.
Fans have since taken to social media to bemoan the unanimous decision, which was labelled as ‘bulls–t’ and ‘laughable’; with many feeling Volkanovski was not only harshly dealt with, but should have been victorious.
Among those in the Australian’s corner include NFL icon Pat McAfee and rapper Lil Wayne, who said he may never watch UFC again after the controversy.
There was particular scorn directed at the judge who marked the fight 49-47 in Makhachev’s favour, with UFC great Nate Diaz saying the Russian ‘got his asss [sic] whooped’.
However, despite the disappointment, Volkanovski couldn’t have been classier in defeat. The 34-year old first motioned to the crowd for the boos to cease while Makhachev was conducting his post-fight interview, before praising his opponent when it was his turn to speak.
‘I appreciate the support, but let’s give a round of applause for Islam,” he said.
“It was a fun fight – maybe I could have capitalised on some positions a bit more. Left it a little late, but hey, what do you do? Congrats to Islam.”
Volkanovski had been attempting to become just the fifth UFC fighter to hold two belts at once, having become the featherweight champion with a win over Max Holloway last year.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
It’s kind of weird. Before the fight, I considered Volk to be the better fighter, even though I thought he would lose. Volk was best in the world, Islam was second. I think Islam was rightly declared the winner. But my estimation of Volk as a fighter actually went up and my estimation of Islam went slightly down (he’s still great).
astro
Roar Rookie
Makhachev won 3-2 on rounds, but honestly, who cares. I didnt think Volk would survive two rounds, let alone be on top by the end of the 5th. What a machine. Just an incredible show of determination. And while Islam won the fight, given the size difference, you have to say Volk's still ahead on P4P rankings.
Sergeant Salt n Pepper
Guest
So we look to a rapper on twitter for the real result nowadays ? I wonder what all the bots thought ,oh there all gone now aren't they.
Sergeant Salt n Pepper
Guest
Crimeariver :laughing: :laughing:
Rob9
Roar Guru
5 was clearly Volk’s and I had him in the 3rd but I’ve seen more dominant rounds go against fighters on scorecards than that. As mentioned, Islam was running on empty but there wasn’t much left in Volk’s fists in that final minute.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
The judge who scored it 49-46 definitely wasn’t spot on. But they were probably correct with it being 3-2 to Islam. Islam was waaay more gassed than Volk by the end of the fight. Volk had attained the ascendancy, but that’s not how the scoring works.
Blood Dragon
Roar Rookie
Your just having a cry because the Aussie lost to a Russian
Rob9
Roar Guru
Really!? Not a hard fight to read from a scoring perspective and the judges were spot on. I think fans were booing more-so because of Makhachev’s comments about Australians not being able to wrestle. Volk’s takedown defence and ground game was unreal against one of the best in the game and it suprised everyone- but that’s not enough to win the fight. Islam was all over Volk for significant strikes (another suprise) and he still had control of him for significant periods on the floor. Volk’s chance was the final 30 seconds but you could see how gassed he was from the ground and pound game he was throwing up. That said- Islam was running on empty too and it could have been interesting if it went for just another 30 secs…