UFC 284: Islam Makhachev mentions Turkey & Syria in post-fight interview | OneFootball

Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski via unanimous decision at UFC 284 on Saturday evening, or Sunday morning depending where you tuned in from.

If you set those alarms for an early start, just like myself, you won’t have been left disappointed with your decision to catch the worm with the pair putting on a superb fight despite the clash of styles. Volkanovski showed his striking prowess, but it was the grappling exploits of Makhachev that came out on top.

Both men conducted themselves with grace and decorum in the build-up to the fight but also in the aftermath. There’s a great respect between two great champions. Let’s not forget, Volkanovski still holds his featherweight title, but he did prove he is more than capable of competing with the best in the lightweight division.

GiveMeSport VIDEO OF THE DAY

Pause

Unmute

Current Time 0:00

/

Duration 8:10

Loaded: 1.33%

Islam Makhachev reacts to beating Alexander Volkanovski

Despite it being a huge night for both men, their interviews in the Octagon summed up the characters they both are. Speaking highly of one another after going to battle for five rounds in an epic contest, but it’s another comment from the victor that has been doing the rounds on social media.

In his interview, Makhachev made everyone aware of the horrific scenes over in Turkey and Syria after a devastating earthquake has hit both nations and left harrowing damage to infrastructure, but more importantly, torn families apart through the fatal nature of such natural disasters.

The fact he was able to put others first after his big moment and use it as a platform to raise such awareness is testament to him. Of course you’d like to think almost everyone is tuned in enough to understand what is going on in the world, but if not, they will now if they watched UFC 284.

Speaking from the Octagon, Makhachev announced: “Guys, please. Don’t forget about Syria and Turkey. We’re with you guys, thank you.”

You’d be forgiven for being so in the moment you forget everything else. It’s the biggest win of your career and you were pushed all the way in a gruelling battle, but to still have the awareness to raise such an important issue sums Makhachev up perfectly.

I think I speak for all UFC fans when I say these two need a rematch sooner rather than later. If that’s a sign of things to come in 2023, the UFC is going to have a majorly successful year!