ISLAM MAKHACHEV closed the book on his rivalry his Alexander Volkanovski with a stunning first-round head kick in their lightweight title rematch.
Featherweight king Volkanovski showed the world that Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protege was a mere mortal in their Perth punch-up in January, which he lost via a controversial unanimous decision victory.
GettyIslam Makhachev renewed his rivalry with Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294[/caption]
GettyVolkanovski looked to exact revenge on the undefeated Russian in front of a raucous Abu Dhabi crowd[/caption]
GETTYBut he ended up getting taken out with a stunning head kick KO[/caption]
GettyMakhachev didn’t waste the golden opportunity to close the show[/caption]
The Aussie stepped up on 11 days’ notice and dropped nearly two stone in a bid to finish the job in the main event of UFC 294 on Saturday night.
But Dagestani destroyer Makhachev proved to be a bridge too far to cross on short notice, retaining his title with a stunning head kick and ground-and-pound stoppage.
Makhchev, 31, used his post-fight interview to send a message to the people of Palestine.
He said: “I’m not celebrating the win today because of the crazy things what are happening in the world.
“Palestine, we are standing with you.”
Makhachev landed a good inside leg kick – which ultimately proved to be pivotal in the outcome of the fight -early doors and immediately put the challenger on the back foot.
Volkanovski, as expected, used City Kickboxing’s feint-heavy approach to try to create openings.
A head kick narrowly missed for the champion, who quickly changed tact with a takedown attempt.
That attempt to ground the fight was quickly stuffed by the Aussie, who would have been brimming with confidence after stopping it.
Makhachev, however, didn’t let go of the Aussie – pressing him against the cage.
And that’s where he landed some good knees in the Thai clinch, which Volk eventually managed to break.
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AFPA bloodied Volkanovski had to be helped by referee Marc Goddard[/caption]
EPAMakhachev silences his doubters after picking up the biggest win of his career[/caption]
The champion drew a big reaction from the crowd as he landed a big straight left moments after they separated.
And the Etihad Arena erupted as Makhachev landed a picture-perfect head kick to rock Volk.
‘The Great’ was badly dazed and Makhachev swarmed on him, landing crushing blows to put him out cold and further open the cuts above his eyebrows.
A dejected Volk said in his post-fight interview: “It was a great set-up. A good kick.
“[They] probably seen something. Obviously, it’s hard – I don’t like losing.
“But he’s a great champion. What do you do? I back myself every single time. “
“And I still stand by that, back yourself. Islam is one man that you don’t want to back yourself against if you don’t prepare properly.
“Because look at what he can do to you.
GETTYVolkanovski cut a dejected figure after the fight[/caption]
GETTYIslam Makhachev celebrates retaining the lightweight title[/caption]
“Credit to him. I just want to say to the UFC, please keep me busy.
“I don’t do well when I’m not fighting. I needed to take this fight because I was doing my head in not fighting.
“So please keep me busy. I’m happy to go back in January.
“Obviously, get this taken care of and obviously go back down to featherweight.
“Obviously, my job here is done for now. Again, credit to Islam. Great kick. What do I say?”
Makhchev has two tough challengers in Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje waiting in the wings to fight him.
But he’s not fussed about who he faces next.
He said: “I never choose [who I fight]. Dana, you have some job [to do]. Give me someone.”
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