Islam Makhachev made a press release throughout his rematch with Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 this previous weekend (October 21, 2023) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion, knew he was taking a threat by combating his arch-rival Makhachev simply 11 days after Charles Oliveira went down with an harm. Sadly for ‘The Nice’ it did not repay and he misplaced by first spherical technical knockout with a head kick and punches (see highlights).
Though it wasn’t stay, longtime UFC shade commentator Joe Rogan was watching the struggle in actual time from the consolation of his podcast studio in Houston, Texas. After Makhachev and Volkanovskiy met for the primary time in February 2023, with Makhachev successful by unanimous choice (see highlights), Logan stated the Australian had executed sufficient to deserve recognition. Felt. This time, there was no room left for debate as to who was the higher particular person.
“What a shock,” Logan stated. joe rogan experience Podcast. “He kicked him within the head. Who noticed that coming? It was superb. Shin, to the dome. Once I opened the reduce it was good.
“He confirmed us quite a lot of new methods,” he continued. “That entrance kick, he threw that kick to his physique after which the identical kick to his head. Stable win. The look was, ‘He was drained.’ . No, he acquired caught. He caught it with an excellent kick. ”
The loss was solely the third for Volkanovski in 29 profession fights, and the second resulting from strikes. His first struggle was the fourth of his profession, in opposition to Corey Nelson at welterweight. Coincidentally, that was additionally a head kick and punch end. The opposite loss, in fact, was the final time Volkanovski challenged Makhachev for light-weight supremacy.
Makhachev, 31, isn’t sometimes a finisher along with his toes, although his hitting capability continues to enhance. The win was his fifth time defeating an opponent with strikes since dealing with Bobby Greene on the bottom in February 2022 (see highlights).
“I’m very impressed that he received that approach,” Logan stated. “He confirmed quite a lot of development. He actually made changes.
“An ideal head kick,” he concluded. “Look, he beat Oliveira in his final struggle, bear in mind, his placing was his largest weak spot, however now he is as harmful as anybody on this weight class. I’m going to knock out Volkanovski, s—t.”
For full outcomes, protection and highlights from UFC 294, click on right here. right here.