Alex Volkanovski previews his UFC 284 title fight with Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev will defend the UFC lightweight title against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski tonight, in a meeting between the pound-for-pound No 1 and No 2.
Volkanovski’s dominant run atop the featherweight division has secured him the status of the UFC’s pound-for-pound top-ranked fighter, and now the Australian sets his sights on becoming the promotion’s fifth dual-weight champion ever, taking on Makhachev in Perth.
Volkanovski will therefore have the support of a home crowd in tonight’s main event, which marks Makhachev’s first defence of the lightweight title. The Russian claimed the vacant belt by submitting Charles Oliveira in November, following in the footsteps of his coach and childhood friend Khabib Nurmagomedov as 155lbs champion.
In the co-main event, Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett will clash to crown an interim featherweight champion, determining who will be next in line for Volkanovski at 145lbs. Follow live updates and results from the UFC 284 main card and prelims, below.
UFC 284 LIVE
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Rodriguez last fought in July, beating former title challenger Brian Ortega in 49 seconds.
Rodriguez was getting the better of the striking exchanges but won due to a shoulder injury sustained by Ortega. That said, Rodriguez seemed to inflict the injury in a grappling sequence.
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:31
UFC 284 LIVE
Furthermore, Emmett’s last bout was a controversial decision win against Calvin Kattar in June.
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:30
UFC 284 LIVE
It’s worth nothing that, for all Emmett’s power and the way in which that has factored into some predictions for this fight, the 37-year-old has gone the distance in his last three fights. His last knockout came in July 2019.
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:29
UFC 284 LIVE
What will win out? Rodriguez’s speed and inventive striking, or Emmett’s devastating power?
Mexican Rodriguez enters this bout with a pro record of 14-3 (1 No Contest), while American Emmett is 18-2.
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:27
UFC 284 LIVE
This card is flying by! It’s time for the co-main event: Yair Rodriguez vs Josh Emmett for the interim featherweight title.
Yair Rodriguez (left) faces off with Josh Emmett
(Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:23
UFC 284 LIVE
Jack Della Maddalena def. Randy Brown via first-round submission (rear naked choke, 2:13).
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:20
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:19
UFC 284 LIVE
Della Maddalena vs Brown – Round 1
“F*** you, Randy!” chants the Perth crowd. The tall American flicks out jabs early on.
Both welterweights kick low simultaneously. Forward comes Della Maddalena.
He backs up Brown to the fence and faceplants the American with a right hook, before taking the back and locking in a rear naked choke!!
And Brown taps! It’s already over! Such a calm performance from Della Maddalena amid all the expectation.
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:18
UFC 284 LIVE
Della Maddalena’s last three wins have all come via TKO.
Alex Pattle12 February 2023 04:13
