UFC heads down under for the first time since 2019 with a blockbuster Lightweight championship fight as the main event of UFC 284. Newly crowned Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev of Dagestan makes his first title defense against Aussie UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Vokanovski who is bidding to be a double champ. The two fighters currently enjoy very long winning streaks, and fight fans will be eager to see who will taste defeat here. With Volkanovski set as the underdog in the match, it promises to be an intriguing encounter at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
MMA: UFC Lightweight Championship
Location: RAC Arena, Perth, Australia
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 12.2.2023, 06:00
Islam Makhachev
Trained by Khabib Nurmagomedov, the number two in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings holds the record for the longest win streak in the UFC Lightweight division with eleven wins. In his sophomore UFC fight, his last loss was in 2015 against Adriano Martins. Since then, he has defeated everything that has been thrown at him. The 2016 world combat Sambo gold medalist secured the UFC Lightweight championship with a second-round submission of Charles Oliveira last October at UFC 280 to pick up the vacant title.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 5’ 10”
- Reach: 70.5”
- Weight: 155 Ibs
- Record: 23-1-0
Alexander Volkanovski
A former rugby player and boxer, Alexander Volkanovski started out in mixed martial arts to control his rugby weight. Finding his passion in the sport, the Aussie found a counter-attacking style that included powerful overhand strikes and offensive wrestling. After winning the AFC Featherweight title, Alexander Volkanovski joined the UFC and made his promotional debut as a Lightweight. Subsequently, he dropped to 155 Pounds and has dominated the division, winning the title and defending it severely. Alexander Volkanovski is currently number one in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 5’ 6”
- Reach: 71”
- Weight: 155 Ibs
- Record: 25-1-0
I love the underdog story. I love being the underdog and people saying I’m undersized and all that type of stuff. It just adds to the story and it’s going to add to the victory.
Betting odds
Islam Makhachev is the overwhelming favorite to win the bout at 1.25 odds on Bet 365. Alexander Volkanovski’s win is priced at 4.00 odds to win on Bet 365. Over 2.5 rounds is priced at 1.65 odds on Coinplay, while 1xbet lists Makhachev to win by submission at 1.85 odds.
