High-voltage matches that don’t end via submission or knockout sometimes leave fans and fighters arguing if the fight ended in a close margin. A similar issue can be seen in the fight for the Pound-for-Pound number 1 ranking between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski.
It is to be noted that, the clip from the last minutes of the fight where Alexander Volkanovski was seen on top of Makhachev’s landing ground and pound shots, became viral. Many looked at that clip and the lightweight champ’s battered face to seemingly determine their choices for the winner which does not seem appropriate at all.
Many were also raising questions about the 49-46 one judge scored. Volkanovski was multiple times if he thought the fight should have gone in his favor or not though he decided to remain respectful of the judge’s decision. Makhachev was seeming confident through and through though he gave props to Alex for a hard fight.
Sometime after the fight, Alexander seemed to have rewatched the fight and came up with a new decision as he tweeted, “Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won 2,3, and 5. Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised! Let’s do the rematch, anywhere, anytime!”
Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won 2,3 and 5. Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised! Let’s do the rematch, anywhere, anytime! 👊
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) February 12, 2023
On the other hand, the current lightweight champion and Pound-for-Pound number one fighter decided to respond, “Just watched the tape, and have to be fair, out of 25 minutes Volk got last 1 minute!”
Just watched the tape, and have to be fair, out of 25 minutes Volk got last 1 minute!
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) February 12, 2023
Why didn’t Islam Makhachev win the fight more dominantly?
As we have seen in the match between Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns, it is wise to not talk the talk if a fighter can’t walk the walk. Makhachev at one point wanted to try and knock out Alex who is known for being durable and possessing great striking. Some argue that the Dagestani didn’t respect his opponent’s wrestling skills enough.
Currently, Volkanovski has called for a rematch, we hope to see the two fighters settle their scores sometime in the future.
