UFC 284 has come and gone, but the debates and conspiracy theories rage on.
The UFC returned to Perth, Australia this past weekend with one of the biggest fights they could have made to start 2023’s early campaign. It was the featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski’s return to the lightweight division in an attempt to dethrone recently crowned titleholder, Islam Makhachev.
“The Great” fought valiantly, doing enough to earn the victory in the eyes of many within the community. Unfortunately for Volkanovski, the three judges on the night all agreed that Makhachev was the winner with two 48-47 scorecards and a lone 49-46. Since then, Volkanovski’s teammate and former opponent of Makhachev’s, Dan Hooker, made the bold accusation that Makhachev illegally used an IV to rehydrate for the title fight.
Makhachev’s co-manager Rizvan Magomedov told MMA Junkie in response to the claims, “We all know this is completely B.S. The guy is a loser. He’s salty and just looking for attention, and that’s it.”
USADA bans IV usage via infusions and or injection, allowing exception only for athletes that received an IV “in the course of hospital admissions, surgical procedures or clinical investigations.”
Hooker has never been one to establish any bad blood relationship with any of his fellow fighters. Makhachev defeated “The Hangman” in Oct. 2021 via a first-round kimura submission.
“Dumb c*** thinks he can fly to Australia hire a nurse to give him an I.V and we won’t find out. Cheating dog,” Hooker said in a series of tweets.
“USADA doing f*** all. Prove me wrong. Bet cha can’t. He doesn’t cheat, he doesn’t win. Islam is a cheat.”
Despite remaining the featherweight champion after his first promotional defeat, Volkanovski is hopeful that he gets a rematch with Makhachev sooner rather than later. The champion felt there were minimal differences in each’s sizes and even took a dig with the I.V. comments when speaking on the matter with Ariel Helwani on Monday.
“I think I was 170 [pounds] or just under,” Volkanovski said on The MMA Hour. “178 to 180 I think he would have been. I’ve heard he gets up to like 180. You fill up pretty quick on the IV’s and stuff like that.”
TOP STORIES
Weight. Alexander Volkanovski: If Islam Makhachev was a featherweight, ‘I’d squash him’
Rankings. Islam Makhachev knocks off Alexander Volkanovski to take No. 1 spot
Aftermath. Bellator 290 fight night weights: Henry Corrales leads with 26.6-pound overnight gain, 2 fighters suspended from divisions
Opportunity. Arnold Allen OK with facing Max Holloway instead of interim title shot: ‘I think this is bigger’
Prediction. Matt Brown: Michael Chandler ‘might send Conor McGregor into retirement’ if he knocks him out
VIDEO STEW
The MMA Hour.
UFC 285 Trailer.
Free fight.
A drive with Whittaker.
CCC and DJ break it down.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Where is everyone?
Where you are ? https://t.co/0sMeCRy1Eo
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) February 13, 2023
Possible.
I think UFC is hoping I retire from old age before they give me a title shot lol
— Beneil Dariush (@beneildariush) February 13, 2023
Squad.
今日はとてもいい経験が出来て、次の試合に向けていいスイッチが入った気がします。トップに追いついていけるようにもっと精進します。押忍!!ありがとうございました!! pic.twitter.com/Lgo9gO3SSR
— MIZUKI / 魅津希 (@fighter_mizuki) February 13, 2023
A legendary night.
All the Legends showed up for Fedor’s final fight!
Don’t miss my newest @OnlyFans video Blog where I take you cage side for the historic @BellatorMMA event on CBS
https://t.co/78MLZG8O0P pic.twitter.com/QqcbbjzPeq— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) February 13, 2023
Signings.
15-2 Uzbek flyweight Ramazan Temurov signs with RIZIN, hoping to debut on May 6. #RIZIN pic.twitter.com/E8UFPvsdox
— Chris Presnell (@mmaecosystem) February 13, 2023
I signed the BELLATOR.
I’m back!! https://t.co/lHGp1SimB4— ISAO Kobayashi (@isao_1303) February 14, 2023
Oh.
If only you had the confidence to be ready for March 4th. Especially after having the confidence to call me out.
Humble yourself. https://t.co/Yq0ltTtW8W— Jalin Turner (@JalinTurner) February 13, 2023
You know when I’m available, just giving you options. I hope you find your 3-week notice opponent. https://t.co/006ee47Er6
— Drew Dober (@DrewDober) February 13, 2023
Countdown.
6 weeks left for the big show .
March 25 UFC San Antonio Texas
: @miggohno #illwhoopyourheadboy #youknowill pic.twitter.com/2xIBI4E963
— マネル・ケイプ Manel Kape (@ManelKape) February 14, 2023
Sliced.
7 new stitches making my total to128 pic.twitter.com/TxLb17F0XV
— Jared Vanderaa (@Jaredvanderaa) February 14, 2023
FINAL THOUGHTS
The intrigue for a rematch only escalates with all this aftermath. It’s just one of those weird situations where if it’s not done instantly, we may never get it at all.
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone and their significant others. Thanks for reading, everyone.
POLL POSITION
Last Week’s Results:
Friday: 64% of 522 total votes answered “No” when asked, “Will Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski go the distance?” Makhachev defeated Volkanovski via a unanimous decision in UFC 284’s main event.
52% of 269 total votes answered “Philadelphia Eagles” when asked, “Who wins Super Bowl LVII?” The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35.
Thursday: 55% of 480 total votes answered “Islam Makhachev” when asked, “Who wins?”
Wednesday: 59% of 523 total votes answered “Yair Rodriguez” when asked, “Who wins this weekend?” Rodriguez defeated Josh Emmett via a second-round triangle choke in UFC 284’s co-main event.
Tuesday: 58% of 542 total votes answered “Yes” when asked, “Will the winner of Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler get a UFC title shot?”
Monday: 57% of 652 total votes answered “Alex Pereira” when asked, “Who wins the rematch?” Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya 2 headlines UFC 287 on April 8.
Today’s exit poll:
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