- Islam Makhachev caught Alexander Volkanovski with a perfect head kick in the first round
- The stylish Australian gave credit to his foe for taking the fight on just eleven days’ notice
- Makhachev showed he has the complete game to dominate the lightweight division for years to come
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Islam Makhachev delivered a spectacular head kick to destroy Alexander Volkanovski’s dream of becoming a two-weight champion at UFC 294.
The formidable lightweight king is known for his wrestling skills, but showed that he has deadly weapons in every area. He delivered a killing blow in the first round before delivering the penalty, prompting referee Marc Goddard to intervene.
Volkanovski had left for ‘Men at Work’ full of confidence for the rematch of a fight he narrowly lost by decision in February.
He looked confident despite coming on for Charles Oliveira on just ten days’ notice. The Australian had promised to be more aggressive this time, but it was the Russian who was on top early on.
Makhachev forced a clinch and landed some sharp knees before his challenger managed to adjust his position and break away.
It was then, after setting him up with kicks to the midsection and below, that the Dagestani switched him up to the head. It worked flawlessly and the left shin on the right side of Volkanovski’s head rocked it back, sending him staggering to the canvas.
Islam Makhachev landed this head kick and it was the telling punch that led to the first round finish at UFC 294.
The Russian put a finger to his lips as he coolly walked away while his opponent was being treated
Makhachev once again had the belt wrapped around his waist by Dana White and looks almost impossible to beat
Volkanovski seemed devastated by the result and it was the first time in his career that he had finished
Makhachev took advantage of the clinch early before managing to connect with the telling punch in the fight
A few follow-up blows were all it took to finish him off. He followed a number of fighters around the map and used his time in the post-fight interview to call for peace.
“I’m not celebrating the win today because of the crazy things happening around the world,” he said.
‘Honestly, I have a great team and I always do this in the dressing room, the training has pushed me very hard. This is my second home, thank you to all the fans.
“You have to turn out the lights to beat this man, he’s a real champion.”
Volkanovski was typically classy in his defeat, telling Daniel Cormier: ‘Great setup and a good kick, it hurts me to lose, he’s a great champion, what are you doing. Islam is a man against whom you must prepare well.
“I want to tell the UFC to keep me busy, it hurts me if I don’t fight. I’ll come back to featherweight. Thanks to Islam, great kick.
‘I want Ilia Topuria in January, I have to train and be at camp. Everyone at home is doing well. Sorry I couldn’t put on a better show.’
Makhachev will likely face Oliveira or Justin Gaethje next, although he will be a significant favorite against both men. Currently, Jon Jones sits at the top of the pound-for-pound list, but it’s hard to argue with the Russian on these types of forms.
Makhachev delivered several hammer blows while Volkanovski was already on the ground
Marc Goddard waved it off and now the featherweight returns to his natural home in the 145-pound division
More to follow…