Islam Makhachev breaks silence on IV allegations

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has broken his silence regarding accusations of alleged intravenous (IV) therapy prior to his UFC 284 bout with Alexander Volkanovski.

Following the Russian's unanimous decision victory at UFC 284, fellow lightweight Dan Hooker, who trains at Volkanovski's gym, took to Twitter to accuse Makhachev of cheating. 'The Hangman' claimed that the Russian had used an IV upon arrival to Australia:

"Dumb c*nt thinks he can fly to Australia, hire a nurse to give him an I.V and we won't find out. Cheating dog."

IVs are typically against the UFC's athletic policy, as they can be used to hide positive test results from the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Islam Makhachev broke his silence on the matter and stated that he was tested by USADA a total of four times, twice before and twice after the fight. The lightweight champion also addressed images of him with bruising on his arm, which he explained was from Australia's own commission taking his blood:

"The UFC works with the expert organization USADA. Before and after the fight I was tested four times in total. Somebody posted a picture with a bruise on my vein. Australia has its own commission that takes blood samples during fight week. They took my blood Wednesday and I had a UFC photoshoot Thursday. Fighters are trying to push a narrative, but the UFC and USADA have no issues with me."

Catch Makhachev's comments here courtesy Red Corner MMA YouTube channel (1:30):

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Islam Makhachev weighs in on No.1 pound-for-pound ranking snub

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski put on a Fight of the Year contender in UFC 284's main event. The bout featured Makhachev putting his lightweight title on the line and it had been expected that Volkanovski's spot as the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter would also be up for grabs.

However, the latest update in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings dropped and despite victory, Islam Makhachev remained in the No.2 spot, with Volkanovski retaining his status as No.1.

In the same interview, Makhachev weighed in on the ranking snub. The 31-year-old explained that he expected to remain No.2 and is more than happy to take home the belt and the victory instead:

"As for the rankings, I never expected justice. I still don't. Take Magomed Ankalaev or Petr Yan, that's how they treat us. What matters to me is that I traveled 8000 miles, beat their local champion there, and got my hand raised up. Then came home with the belt and my head up."