Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Islam Makhachev after UFC 284 title defense?
(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Alexander Volkanovski after UFC 284 loss?)
Islam Makhachev welcomed the challenge of fellow champion Alexander Volkanovski’s move up in weight for the historic UFC 284 headliner, and ultimately he emerged victorious.
After getting pushed to the limit over the course of five rounds, Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) edged out a unanimous decision over Volkanovski (25-2 MMA, 12-1 UFC) to secure his first defense of the lightweight belt in the main event at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
An argument could be made that there’s no bigger test out there to start his reign that what Makhachev just faced, which means he could be in for a long rule atop the 155-pound division.
He has to fight someone, though. Who is capable of giving him the best fight going into his second defense? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Makhachev’s future after UFC 284.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 284.
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Twitter reacts to Islam Makhachev's narrow title defense vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
