Alexander Volkanovski’s audacious bid to win a UFC light-weight title on lower than two weeks discover.has failed as he was spectacularly knocked out by champion Islam Makhachev Within the first spherical of their rematch in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev landed some good kicks and knee blows earlier than a devastating left leg kick to the pinnacle floored the 35-year-old Australian.
The blow opened up a reduce on Volknaovski’s head and some seconds of floor and pound from Makhachev prompted referee Marc Goddard to cease the combat on the 3:06 mark of the primary spherical on Saturday evening (Sunday AEDT).
“It’s onerous, I don’t like dropping it hurts me, however he’s an excellent champion,” UFC featherweight champion Volkanovski mentioned.
Volkanovski, who was a late substitute for injured former light-weight champion Charles Oliveira, wasn’t capable of land a big strike and was on the again foot from the beginning.
“I confirmed him first a few low kicks and physique kicks and I modified to a excessive kick,” Makhachev mentioned.
“That is an previous plan what we skilled the final couple of months for Oliveira and nothing modified for Volkanovski.
Islam Makhachev knocks out Alexander Volkanovski. (Picture by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC through Getty Photos)
“However I need to say thanks to this man, he’s an actual champion, I instructed you you must flip off the lights to defeat this man.”
Volkanovski, from Windang on the NSW South Coast, mentioned he wished to remain busy and defend his featherweight title in January, probably towards Ilia Topuria.
Within the co-main occasion, Khamzat.Chimaev improved to 13-0, scoring a majority factors win over former welterweight world champion Kamaru Usman in a middleweight bout.
Nonetheless, Chimaev, who is anticipated to problem middleweight champion Sean Strickland, thought he might need suffered a damaged hand throughout the bout.
© AAP
