Islam Makhachev kicked of his lightweight title reign with arguably the biggest win of his career at UFC 284 when he shut down Alexander Volkanovski’s bid at dual-champ status.
Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) logged his first 155-pound title defense on Saturday when he handed featherweight champ Volkanovski (25-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) a unanimous decision loss in the headlining bout at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
It’s now a 12-fight winning streak for Makhachev, and it remains to be seen who challenges him next.
Check below for the top Twitter reactions to Makhachev’s title defense over Volkanovski at UFC 284.
Nolan King
Makhachev and Volkanovski land simultaneously. Both absorbed a big shot. Volkanovski briefly went down but popped up. Makhachev takes him down. #UFC284
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) February 12, 2023
Kevin Iole
Islam going for neck crank volk breaks it
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) February 12, 2023
Aaron Bronsteter
10-9 Makhachev after the first.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) February 12, 2023
Matthew Wells
10-9 Makhachev. Volk started well, but got clipped and had to fight off the RNC. #UFC284
— Matthew Wells (@MrMWells) February 12, 2023
Luke Thomas
Volk has tons of confidence and maybe a bit too much. He got hit when he stood square and tried to pour it on. Makhachev’s back control sublime in rd 1.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) February 12, 2023
Kevin Iole
NIce left by VOlk and big right by Islam hurts him
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) February 12, 2023
Mookie Alexander
If it wasn’t clear already I think it’s very clear that Makhachev is a much better striker than he’s given credit for.
— Mookie Alexander, Unofficially (@mookiealexander) February 12, 2023
Farah Hannoun
Volkanovski very game and still dangerous, but Makhachev 20-18. #UFC284
— Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) February 12, 2023
Aljamain Sterling
Islam up 2 rounds. Not completely out of this but is for sure getting hurt when he tries to close the distance. Islam seems to be seeing when Volk is gonna blitz in. #UFC284
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) February 12, 2023
Teddy Atlas
Great round, great fight, exactly what a fight representing the 2 best should be. #UFC284
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) February 12, 2023
Marlon Vera
You call out the little guy. The little guy might kick ya ass
— C H🖕🏽T O🇪🇨V E R A (@chitoveraUFC) February 12, 2023
Stephen Thompson
What a fight. I think that round goes to volk! 2-1 Islam #UFC284
— Wonderboy (@WonderboyMMA) February 12, 2023
Henry Cejudo
Islam needs to press and be more aggressive with his takedown attempts. Use the cage. #UFC284
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) February 12, 2023
Kenny Florian
Hard to tell if Volk is watching his work a bit after he lands (dropping his hands) or if he’s keeping them low to get inside position/under hooks. Great fight so far.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) February 12, 2023
Nolan King
Makhachev takes Volkanovski down and takes his back. Body lock is in. Three minutes left in the round. #UFC284
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) February 12, 2023
Shaheen Al-Shatti
Islam Makhachev’s Round 4 level change might’ve been one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. What a fight so far. Have this 3-1 Makhachev heading into the final round. #UFC284
— Shaheen Al-Shatti (@shaunalshatti) February 12, 2023
Stephen Thompson
Man oh man. They are also in Australia…know what I mean…judging #ufc284
— Wonderboy (@WonderboyMMA) February 12, 2023
Derek Brunson
Bisping said beautiful left hand from the champ … ain’t they both champs 😂😂😂 #UFC284
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 12, 2023
Kevin Iole
Huge right by VOlk drops Islam!!!!!
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) February 12, 2023
Cody Garbandt
Would love to see this fight again !!
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) February 12, 2023
Shane Burgos
That fight surpassed the hype! Instant classic #UFC284
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) February 12, 2023
Cody Garbrandt
Let’s run it back !!!
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) February 12, 2023
Daniel Cormier
Was exactly as we said. Part of the reason we have the jobs that we have 😊
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 12, 2023
Nate Diaz
Yeah right Islam got his asss whooped
— Nathan Diaz (@NateDiaz209) February 12, 2023
Kenny Florian
Volk deserves a rematch if he wants it. Have a great night everybody! See you on @anikflorianpod there’s much to talk about. That was a brilliant superfight.
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) February 12, 2023
Daniel Cormier
That was a bad scorecard. 3-2 Volk lost nothing tonight. He fought better than anyone thought he could. He is as good as anyone at any weight in the world. Great fight overall https://t.co/vsNmW7blvT
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 12, 2023