Alexander Volkanovski says Islam Makhachev tested his skills like no one else

Alexander Volkanovski said Islam Makhachev took his technique further than any opponent in their first fight, and that the pair plan to spend two to three weeks together in Dagestan.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Tue 20 Oct, 20:47 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Alexander Volkanovski has explained why he still treasures his first fight with Islam Makhachev despite losing it. He said the Dagestani pushed his technical game deeper than any opponent had before.

The pair met for the lightweight title at UFC 284 in 2023, and Makhachev won a decision. The bout was named Fight of the Year and is widely regarded as one of the best fights of all time for its technical quality. Both men have praised each other repeatedly since, and Makhachev has called Volkanovski one of his toughest opponents.

Speaking with Kris Fade, Volkanovski said takedown defence was his speciality and that he carries a set of personal tricks he rarely gets to use. He said most exchanges with opponents go two or three layers deep. Against Makhachev, he said, they went three or four layers, with each man producing a counter to the other's answer. He stressed the fight had not been easy.

Volkanovski said fighters could study the contest in future and find advanced techniques and fundamentals in it. He also said it would be hard to find two athletes with that level of understanding of the game putting it all on the line. He added: “So I think that’s why we both really appreciated what we got out of each other. And again, I’ve got nothing but respect for him.” Makhachev won the rematch at UFC 294 in October 2023 by first-round knockout, on short notice. Volkanovski holds no grudge over that result and said he and Makhachev plan to spend time together in Dagestan.

Volkanovski said he had suggested a stay of a few days, but Makhachev told him that was not long enough and proposed two to three weeks. Volkanovski said the trip would include training and cooking, as well as hunting on horseback, which Makhachev does. On the time they have already spent together, Volkanovski said: “We’ve done some cooking together. I love all that stuff. I love the content that we can get, and that’s just next level. So I can’t wait to go and do that with him.”

In this story

Alexander Volkanovski Islam Makhachev