Interview with Alexander Volkanovski, UFC Fighter Volkanovski Breaks Down UFC 284 and Talks Rematch with Islam Makhachev

Alexander Volkanovski, the renowned UFC fighter Volkanovski and featherweight champion, recently sat down to share his thoughts on the electrifying UFC 284 event held in Perth, Australia. The night saw Volkanovski face off against Islam Makhachev in a closely contested battle that left the Australian crowd buzzing. In this exclusive interview, Volkanovski breaks down the fight round-by-round, reflects on his performance, and discusses the potential for a highly anticipated rematch. Dive into the insights and emotions of one of the UFC's fiercest competitors as he recounts this historic night.

Table of Contents

🔥 The Electric Atmosphere of UFC 284 in Australia

How was it to fight in front of the Australian crowd at UFC 284?

It was incredible to be back in Australia and feel the energy of the crowd. The support was sensational from start to finish – from the open workouts, the press conferences, the weigh-ins, all the way through to the fights and after. Walking out and hearing the crowd go absolutely nuts, singing the anthem and laying it down, was an amazing feeling. The roar was deafening, and it truly felt special to perform in front of my home fans again.

Alexander Volkanovski walking out to UFC 284 with Australian crowd cheering

What was the general vibe from the fans and your team after the fight?

While not everyone got a win that night, I felt like I put on a real show for the Aussie crowd. Everyone was buzzing and excited about the fight. It was one of the biggest fights in Australian history, breaking records and creating a moment that will be remembered. The crowd's energy was a huge boost, and it was great to share that moment with them.

🥊 Breaking Down the Fight: Round-by-Round Analysis

Can you walk us through the fight and how it unfolded?

The fight was a close, back-and-forth battle with a lot of action. Islam put on quite a show, and I was gutted with the decision because it was so tight. You hear people talk about robberies in close fights like this, but honestly, you can't call it that. Both of us had rounds that could have swung either way. After watching the tape, I truly believe I did enough to win, and I'm sure Islam would say the same when he watches it back.

How did the striking battle play out?

I knew Islam had a good eye and would be strong at distance. I expected him to look more for the counter punches rather than attack aggressively, but he surprised me by attacking a bit more than I thought. I had him a little puzzled at times, and he was patiently waiting for counters. We both caught shots coming in and landed some solid strikes. He surprised me a bit on the feet, and I guess I surprised him on the ground with some exchanges.

What was your strategy against Islam’s grappling and submission attempts?

When Islam first grabbed me, I wasn’t too worried. I’m comfortable with my strength and knew he couldn’t get a submission. I was playing it a bit safe though—I could have scrambled out but didn’t want to take unnecessary risks. I was giving the crowd and everyone a shaka arm to show it was all good. Looking back, I would probably do it differently now, but at the time, I wasn’t comfortable enough to just scramble out.

How did the rounds progress, especially the critical fourth and fifth?

The first round was very competitive. Islam got my back and finished the round there with a couple of submission defenses from me. That round clearly went to him. The second and third rounds were very close, and even my corner wasn’t sure who was ahead—they kept telling me we needed to keep working. In the fourth round, Islam secured a takedown and got both hooks, which is rare against me. He locked in a body triangle that really hurt, and I learned a lesson there about being too cheeky. He wasn’t looking for a finish but wanted to maintain dominance and not lose position.

Islam Makhachev securing hooks and body triangle on Alexander Volkanovski

In the last round, we both knew it was likely tied two rounds each, so it was do or die. I felt strong and confident on the ground and in the scrambles, so I backed myself more. I started landing more shots as he began to tire. I pushed for takedowns and leg trips, and eventually, I dropped him and went for ground and pound. The crowd erupted as I poured on the pressure for about a minute and a half until the fight was over.

Volkanovski landing ground and pound in final round

🤔 Reflecting on the Decision and What Comes Next

What was your reaction to the judges’ unanimous decision?

Honestly, I was disappointed because I wanted that win. It was a very close fight, and different judges could have scored it differently—that’s just the nature of the sport. I don’t consider it a robbery. I thought I won rounds two and three comfortably, but it was close overall. Both our stocks have risen from this fight, and people are still talking about it. But as a competitor, I want to win, not just be happy with a close loss.

How did you feel about being the underdog and fighting a bigger opponent?

I went in knowing I could win, despite being undersized and the underdog. It was a David and Goliath story in many ways. I expected a tough fight and prepared for it. I don’t care about the surprise people had about my wrestling and performance—that was expected from me. I’m proud of how I fought, but I want that win next time.

What are your thoughts on a potential rematch with Islam Makhachev?

Backstage, the UFC, Islam, and I all touched on the rematch. We’re all interested in making it happen, and I’m pushing for it because I know I can get the win next time. I feel like I’ve figured things out and am ready to go again. It’ll be fun and another fight for the world to see.

Volkanovski discussing rematch plans with Islam Makhachev's team

⚡ Other Highlights from UFC 284

What did you think of the co-main event and other fights on the card?

I didn’t get a chance to watch the co-main event fully, but from what I saw, Yeal Rodriguez looked sharp and dangerous. He’s a strong striker and a threat in the division. That fight excites me, and I’m looking forward to seeing when it will happen. The whole event had a great vibe, and the crowd was electric all night.

🙏 Final Thoughts and Thanks

Any final words for your fans and supporters?

Thanks so much to everyone who turned up, tuned in, and bought the pay-per-view. Your support means everything to me. It was a memorable night in Perth, and I appreciate all the love and energy from the fans. I’m ready to come back stronger and keep pushing forward. Till next time, peace.

📚 FAQ about UFC Fighter Volkanovski and UFC 284

  1. Did Alexander Volkanovski win UFC 284?
    No, the fight was a unanimous decision win for Islam Makhachev, but it was a very close and competitive fight.
  2. Was the decision controversial?
    Volkanovski and many fans thought the fight was extremely close, but it wasn’t considered a robbery. Different judges may have scored it differently.
  3. Is there going to be a rematch?
    Both fighters and the UFC have expressed interest in a rematch, and Volkanovski is pushing hard for it.
  4. How did Volkanovski perform as an underdog?
    He exceeded expectations, showing strong wrestling and striking despite being undersized.
  5. What was the atmosphere like at UFC 284?
    The Australian crowd was passionate and loud, creating an electric atmosphere that energized the fighters.