Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Pragjyoti Singh
After battling his heart out in a five-rounder that could possibly end up as a fight of the year nomination, Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev expressed his happiness with the win during the post-fight press conference at UFC 284. While the Dagestani had to dig deep in the final moments of the fight to secure the victory, fans couldn’t help but praise Alexander Volkanovski for a great performance that also saw him have his fair share of moments during the fight. While speaking to media reps, Makhachev too praised the Australian for putting up a tough stand and making the fight a difficult one for him.
Islam Makhachev claims he’s the best fighter in the world
Although quite a few fighters disagreed with the judge’s decision, Makhachev clearly did not seem too concerned about it during the post-fight presser. While expressing his satisfaction with the fight, the 31-year-old even claimed that he had achieved his ultimate dream of being the best fighter.
“It doesn’t matter how I won today, now I’m not just champion, I’m the best fighter in the world. I am very happy. Now people are going to call me not just champ, but ‘best fighter in the world.’ This is my dream, and it doesn’t matter how I won, I’m very happy.” stated Makhachev.
Although the Lightweight champ commended his opponent, he also pointed out factors that contributed to a tough matchup: “It was a hard fight with Volkanovski because of many things. I come from another country, more than 13,000 kilometers from my country. I come with my team, and the time is changed, and we come to the arena early morning, many things.”
Although Makhachev also adds that he never under prepares for any fight. “I don’t prepare myself for easy fights.” Claimed the lightweight champ.
Makhachev on Alexander Volkanovski’s claim that he admitted to losing the fight
During the same presser, Volkanovski had mentioned that Makhachev, as per unknown sources, reportedly accepted that he lost the fight to his cornerman. When asked about it, the Dagestani responded in the negative.
“I didn’t say that. I know in my mind, when the fight was finished, I know minimum I won three rounds. I didn’t say I lost nothing.” Claimed the 31-year-old.
Ultimately, at the end of the event, fans can undoubtedly agree that the fight was one of the, if not the most thrilling bouts in recent times. And after grinding out a win against the P4P number one, Islam Makhachev might just have done enough to be counted as the best fighter in the world.
Similar sites: ‘Let’s run it back’: Fighters react to Islam Makhachev’s decision over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
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