UFC 284 promises to be an exciting and action packed affair, full of interesting matchups. The action takes place in Australia, for the first time since UFC 243 in October 2019.
The fight card is headlined by a huge “Champion v Champion” clash in the lightweight division
Location: RAC Arena – Perth, Australia
Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski
Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs Josh Emmett
Other Main Card Fights:
Jack Della Maddalena vs Randy Brown
Justin Tafa vs Parker Porter
Jimmy Crute vs Alonzo Menifield
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski
| Islam Makhachev | 2/7 | betway |
| Alexander Volkanovski | 7/2 | SBK |
No sooner had Islam Makhachev been presented with the lightweight title he won at UFC 280, featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski congratulated him and stated his desire to move up a weight division and challenge for the newly-earned strap.
This weekend, the titleholders will face off in the Octagon and, given their pedigree, determine who is currently the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
Makhachev has 11 consecutive victories, earning four straight stoppage wins on his way to facing Charles Oliveira for the belt in October. He submitted “Do Bronx” in the second round to claim the title.
When he teammate and friend Khabib Nurmagomedov retired, Makhachev was predicted to be the man to take on Khabib’s mantle. The 31-year-old has lived up to the hype and will increase his standing further if he defeats Volkanovski at the weekend.
However, Volkanovski has a perfect 12-0 in the UFC and is on an amazing 22-fight winning streak overall. In July he successfully defended his featherweight title for the fourth time with a convincing decision win over former champion Max Holloway. The 34-year-old Australian has continually developed and is one of the most complete fighters in the sport. He is no stranger to moving weigh categories as he has fought, and enjoyed success, at lightweight and welterweight in the past.
This is an intriguing bout and is arguably the best matchup the UFC could have set up in the current era.
Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs Josh Emmett
| Yair Rodriguez | 4/7 | William Hill |
| Josh Emmett | 11/8 | William Hill |
With Volkanovski relocating to lightweight — at least for the moment — the UFC has chosen Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett to face off for the interim featherweight title in Saturday’s co-main event.
Many have predicted Rodriguez’s rise to the championship tier, but it has argueably taken longer than expected. However, it has taken time for him to string together the consistent appearances and results needed, despite his considerable talent.
His opponent can count consistency as a strength. Emmett goes into the bout looking for his sixth consecutive victory. He has a very impressive 18-2 record overall. He has had time out due to injuries, but each time he has returned and clocked up a win. He is undoubtedly a top contender in this division.
The fight promises a contrast of styles, with the dynamic Rodriguez offering kicks and movement, while Emmett will be putting his wrestling background to use, while keeping his eye out for the one decisive shot which could give him victory.