Volkanovsky entered the bout with dominant striking and power. On average, he lands just under seven critical strikes per minute, or 57 percent of the critical strikes he throws. But it can undoubtedly result in a stoppage, as was demonstrated against Chan Sung Jung, or “The Korean Zombie,” and Chad Mendes.
Islam Makhachev is terrifying for more than just his presentations. The wrestling game he uses is also formidable. He has experience on the sambo mat and can knock out most opponents, such as his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov and many other fighters from his native Dagestan. The Russian has the 10th best takedown accuracy rate in UFC history, averaging 3.42 takedown finishes per 15 minutes and being successful 65.9 percent of the time.
Volkanovsky started the fight with nearly 50 more strikes than Makhachev, as well as putting up a strong takedown defense against the lightweight champion, all with the support of his home fans. However, he could not overcome Makhachev’s four takedowns, the latter’s control timing and fast, accurate counterpunches.
From the first round, Makhachev made Volkanovsky aware of his counter-attacking skills as he used a well-timed right hand to bring the Australian to his knees. Despite knocking Makhachev down several times during the fight, Volkanovsky was unable to inflict significant damage when he had the upper hand.
Volkanovsky landed the opening blow of the fight, landing a straight shot down the middle that sent Makhachev falling backwards towards the cage. We also saw that his takedown defense was not strong enough to hold the position throughout the fight. Taking advantage of Volkanovsky’s aggression, Makhachev was able to hold his back and try to submit him with a rear-neck choke in the second half of the round.
While Volkanovsky gave it his all to win the third round, he was surprised by a well-timed takedown in the fourth when Makhachev grabbed his leg and forced the Australian to stay on the ground for a long period of time, He got tired.
Makhachev produced extra-fast counterpunches, a clever knee, and scored yet another crucial takedown before Volkanovsky could set up a fifth and final round to win the frame. He finished the fight in top position and went on to drop Makhachev in the second half of the final round for the finish.