Published 01/24/2023, 1:07 AM EST
The UFC 284 event featuring Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski as the main event is within reach. The heavily anticipated contest sees the current Pound-for-Pound champion in Volkanovski prove himself against Makhachev with the lightweight crown at stake. The Dagestani fighter trained under the longest-reigning UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov to claim the lightweight championship. So, the Dagestani fighter demanded the ultimate P4P title to establish their dominance across the UFC. However, if the current UFC lightweight champion does end up with an upper hand over the Australian, fans wondered if that means he would subsequently hold the featherweight belt too. However, that is not the case, as he’s only competing for the P4P title, with his belt at stake.
How did Islam Makhachev become the UFC Lightweight champion?
Islam Makhachev is a gifted wrestler who trained in Sambo in his youth. Sambo is a traditional Russian fighting style that originated in the Red Army, which preaches ‘self-defense without weapons.’ Later, he transitioned to mixed martial arts after he won an amateur competition in combat sambo.
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As a professional mixed martial artist, Makhachev had a lot of advantages due to his wrestling background. So, he signed with Tsumada Fighting Championship in August 2010 to make his MMA debut. The Dagestani prodigy quickly established his dominance and raked in 5 victories in his first 5 MMA matches. He was on a long winning streak.
BOSTON, MA – JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev of Russia celebrates after his knockout victory over Gleison Tibau of Brazil in their lightweight bout during the UFC 220 event at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
After the impressive run, Dana White offered him a chance to prove his mettle against the best fighters in the UFC. However, would hit a hurdle in his professional career in the name of Adriano Martins as Martins handed him the first KO Loss at UFC 192.
Nevertheless, the Russian fighter didn’t let the loss dampen his spirits. Furthermore, Makhachev established an 11-fight winning streak following his only loss in the UFC.
Makhachev became the Lightweight champion after he bested Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 at Etihad Arena on 22 October 2022. His coach, friend, and former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov stood by his side. Now, Makhachev has to stand strong against the biggest fight so far; Volkanovski.
How long has Alexander Volkanovski been a UFC champion?
Current Featherweight division champion Alexander Volkanovski is the No.1 on UFC’s Pound-for-Pound men’s list. But, Volkanovski has done plenty to ensure his claim to the title. The Australian defeated former 145-pound division champion Max Holloway in December 2019 at UFC 245.
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 25: Alexander Volkanovski of Australia taunts Brian Ortega in between rounds during their Featherweight title fight during UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena on September 25, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Since then, he’s boasted the featherweight title for more than 3 years. However, ‘The Great’ bested several worthy contenders in the division to keep his title. This includes Chan Sung Jung and Brian Ortega.
However, the former champion, Holloway, failed to reclaim his title on two separate occasions, and couldn’t measure up to Volkanovski.
Like Makhachev, Volkanovski also holds a single professional career loss. But he also holds 25 victories in his professional career and is currently on a 12-fight win streak. Therefore, these accolades made him the No.1 UFC pound-for-pound men’s fighter.
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How will Islam Makhachev fare in Khabib’s absence at UFC 284?
Khabib Nurmagomedov has been a pillar of support for his childhood friend. However, he announced his retirement from all forms of MMA, even as a coach. Therefore, Makhachev has to face his career’s biggest challenge yet, without ‘The Eagle’ by his corner. Furthermore, the Australian commented on Nurmagomedov’s absence in the fight in a recent interview. ‘The Great’ hopes Makhachev and his fans will not use his absence as an excuse if things go south.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES SEPTEMBER 8, 2019: UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at a news conference after defending his title in a bout against interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier at the UFC 242 mixed martial arts tournament. Valery Sharifulin/TASS (Photo by Valery SharifulinTASS via Getty Images)
Nevertheless, Makhachev has all the reasons to continue his winning form against the 145-pound champion. However, Makhachev’s long reach and exceptional talent to wrestle will prove a major threat to the Australian. Therefore, if he does come out on top, he will be the world UFC lightweight champion and the P4P world’s best in the UFC. But, fans must wait till 12 Feb 2023 as the action unfolds at RAC Arena, Perth Australia.
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