Islam Makhachev cheating: Alexander Volkanovski made IV accusations long before Dan Hooker tweets

Dan Hooker has made some serious accusations against Islam Makhachev after his resounding victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. In the most recent turn of events concerning the allegations, veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani released evidence that Volkanovski accused Makhachev of cheating long before Hooker made those claims.

It all started with Hooker claiming that he has definitive proof that Makhachev refueled himself with intravenous (IV) therapy after the weigh-ins, which have been against the rules since USADA became the UFC's anti-doping partner in late 2015. While Makhachev's camp has dismissed the claims as completely unfounded, the kerfuffle surrounding this matter continues to grow within the mixed martial arts community.

Alexander Volkanovski spoke with Helwani to elaborate on his performance at UFC 284 and touch upon everything that unfolded at the blockbuster event. Vokanovski claimed that he weighed 77 kgs (167 pounds) on fight night in a conversation that was recorded well before Dan Hooker leveled allegations against Makhachev. Volkanovski stated that Makhachev would have stepped inside the octagon at 83 kgs (182 lbs) when asked how much he must have weighed.

Speaking on The MMA Hour, Volkanovski stated:

"178-180 lbs.... That's what I think he would have been. I've heard that he gets up to like 83 kgs.... You fuel up pretty quick with IVs and stuff like that."

In and out-of-competition intravenous infusions and injections are illegal under USADA regulations if the volume of the substance exceeds 100 milliliters in a 12-hour period. The verdict stands regardless of the substance's legality. The focus of the prohibition is on the method and volume of consumption.

IVs are prohibited because they increase an athlete's plasma levels and aid in recovery and recuperation, hence enhancing performance. They are also known to alter the biological passport of an athlete.

Catch Alexander Volkanovski's comments below:

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Ali Abdelaziz slams racism against Islam Makhachev amidst narrative that the Dagestani lost to Alexander Volkanovski

Alexander Volkanovski's ambition to become a double UFC champion fell agonizingly short in an incredible lightweight title bout against Islam Makhachev at UFC 284.

Makhachev narrowly prevailed by unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) to retain his lightweight championship against the determined Australian. However, certain sections of the MMA community believe the bout was closer than the scorecards indicate and that Volkanovski was robbed by the unanimous decision.

Ali Abdelaziz, who manages Makhachev, has suggested that the belief that the Dagestani lost the bout against Alexander Volkanovski is rooted in racial prejudice. Abdelaziz turned to Twitter to lash out at discriminatory remarks made by supporters and asserted that despite the widespread racism, his team will earn the respect of the people. He took to Twitter and wrote:

"Make me sick how some of these people are so racist you don’t have to like us, but you will respect us Al Hamdullah I know you guys don’t like this @MAKHACHEVMMA P4P [prince emoji]"

Check out Ali Abdelaziz's tweet below: