UFC 284 Review

UFC 284 delivered big time as it gave fans on of the all-time great fights between two champions. There are many other noteworthy performances both on the main and prelims card. So here’s a small recap of it.

Islam Makhachev beat Alexander Volkanovski by UD to retain title

Islam Makhachev needed to use every bit of skill and ability to hold off Alexander Volkanovski and retain his lightweight title in the UFC 284 main event.

The entire fight was back-and-forth, as Volkanovski repeatedly floored Makhachev on the feet as the reigning featherweight champion attempted to win two titles.

Despite initial setbacks, Makhachev consistently found ways to change the momentum, including a number of his own knockdowns while also using his oppressive ground game.

When it was all said and done, the judges gave Makhachev the win and handed Volkanovski his first loss in the UFC, with scores of 49-46, 48-47, and 48-47.

It was unusual that the UFC's No. 1 and No. 2 pound-for-pound fighters in the world squared up on Saturday. The UFC lightweight champion Makhachev's first title defence was against Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion who upped his weight to 155 pounds.

Few crowds have ever been as boisterous as it was when Volkanovski and Makhachev first entered RAC Arena. When Volkanovski took the stage, the crowd sung along to "Down Under" by Men At Work, while Makhachev was greeted with jeers.

Volkanovski temporarily fell on the ground after Makhachev struck him. Prior to the round's conclusion, Makhachev slid to the back but was unsuccessful in slipping in a choke.

The third round saw a slowdown in the action as both men's attacks were more cautious and patient. Volkanovski was knocked out by Makhachev in the middle of the round. Volkanovski soon rose back to his feet, though, with one exception similar to all the other times.

In the last moments of the round, Volkanovski's technical striking was more effective, and he looked to dominate Islam for the rest of the fight.

Volkanovski struck early in Round 2 with a huge strike. After being knocked down by a punch, Makhachev got back up and hit Volkanovski again. Makhachev stunned Volkanovski one more just as he was getting comfortable with his attacks.

Makhachev went back to his roots in Round 4 when he executed a perfectly timed takedown. Over the course of the final three minutes of the round, Makhachev maintained control over Volkanovski but was unable to generate much attack. However, in the last 30 seconds, an angry Volkanovski launched blind punches over his head that landed on Makhachev's face.

The fans applauded loudly before the last round since the fight was still up for grabs at the start of Round 5. Volkanovski was hit hard by Makhachev.

“Thank you Alex. It was a very good fight,” Makhachev said afterwards. “I need some tough fights. I have to improve. I think he’s going to be easy on the ground but this guy improved a lot. I need tough fights.

Yair Rodriguez submits Josh Emmett to claim interim featherweight title

In the co-main event of UFC 284 at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, Mexico's Rodriguez (15-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) faced Josh Emmett with the interim featherweight title on the line. Emmett (18-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) used strong power to challenge Rodriguez, but in the second round, he was caught in a triangle submission.

In the early stages, the fighters covered a lot of ground in search of opportunities. With a series of kicks, including one to the body that wounded Emmett, Rodriguez sparked the fight. They exchanged ferocious punches and the action quickly escalated after that. While Emmett continued to use his punches, Rodriguez's combinations included more kicks.

Early in the second round, the action kept moving along at a breakneck rate. Rodriguez delivered a few powerful kicks to the body, striking Emmett's wound from the first round. They continued to exchange until the battle came to a halt in the clinch. When he was back in open space, Rodriguez applied constant pressure with a variety of kicks and a cunning short elbow.

Emmett held on for a takedown despite Rodriguez's attempt at a jumping knee that connected. Before finding the opening to set up a triangle submission, Rodriguez stayed active with elbows and quick punches off his back. There was no way for Emmett to escape as he immediately tightened it.

The tap came at 4:19, marking Rodirguez's maiden submission.

As the interim featherweight champion, Rodriguez is now looking forward to a unification fight with Alexander Volkanovski. "El Pantera" has already won two straight fights after stopping Brian Ortega in the first round in July because of a shoulder ailment. In the biggest fight of his UFC career, Emmett sees his five-bout winning run halted.

He was given the chance to compete for the title after defeating Calvin Kattar by a narrow margin, but ultimately lost against one of the most exciting competitors in the featherweight division.

Full Results UFC 284

Main card

Islam Makhachev def. Alexander Volkanovski via UD

Yair Rodriguez def. Josh Emmett via sub (triangle)

Jack Della Maddalena def. Randy Brown via sub (RNC) (R1, 2:13)

Justin Tafa def. Parker Porter via first-round KO (1:06)

Jimmy Crute vs. Alonzo Menifield is majority draw (29-27, 28-28 x2)

Prelims

Modestas Bukauskas def. Tyson Pedro via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Joshua Culibao def. Melsik Baghdasaryan via sub (RNC) (R2, 2:02) |

Kleydson Rodrigues def. Shannon Ross via first-round TKO (0:59) |

Jamie Mullarkey def. Francisco Prado via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)