Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski was a mixed martial arts matchup organized and produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that previously headlined UFC 284 and then at UFC 294.
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 1
The Russian and the Australian had their previous match-up at UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski on February 11, 2023, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Volkanovski moved up a weight class to fight for the UFC lightweight title from Makhachev and become the UFC double champion. However, following a stimulating five-rounder, Makhachev won the bout via a unanimous decision.
The fight consisted of four out of nine takedowns by Makhachev being successful, and Volkanovski knocked down him once. Volkanovski also had more number of significant strikes compared to the champion. The referee scorecard came out as 48-47, 48-47, 49-46, and the 31-year-old Dagestani fighter had a unanimous decision win.
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2
Islam Makhachev faced Alexander Volkanovski for the second time on October 21, 2023, at UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2. Even though both the champions agreed to a rematch after their previous meet-up at UFC 284, the bout was completely unexpected by the fight fans. Makhachev won the bout via a head-kick knockout at 3:06 in the first round.
A rematch between the former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev was supposed to headline the event. Nevertheless, things took a turn when the No.1 ranked lightweight contender got injured during his sparring session and had to withdraw just days before the fight.
Alexander Volkanovski immediately agreed to a rematch just ten days before the event. Hence, one of the most anticipated and enthralling matchups in the lightweight division took place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski Stats
| Stats | Islam Makhachev | Alexander Volkanovski |
| MMA Record | 25-1-0 | 26-3-0 |
| UFC Ranking | Lightweight champion | Featherweight champion |
| Last Fight | Win | Loss |
| Nationality | Russian | Australian |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 155 lbs | 144 lbs |
| Reach | 70.5 in | 71.5 in |
| Leg Reach | 40.5 in | 36 in |
| Striking Accuracy | 59% | 57% |
| Takedown Accuracy | 62% | 38% |
| Takedown Defense | 90% | 69% |
| Win Streak (Active) | 13 | - |
| MMA Debut | 2010 | 2012 |
*Last updated on October 22, 2023.
FAQs
A. Islam Makhachev had a unanimous decision win over Alexander Volkanovski in their first matchup.
A. Islam Makhachev is currently on a record of 25 wins and 1 loss.
A. Islam Makhachev is set to face Alexander Volkanovski for the second time on October 21, 2023, at UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2.
A. Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski took place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
A. Charles Oliveira got injured during his sparring session and had to withdraw just days before UFC 294.
