In the main event of UFC 284, two of the finest in the UFC square off in a huge title vs. champion superfight. Alexander Volkanovski, the lightweight champion, will transition to the lightweight division to take on 155-pound champion Islam Makhachev.
After defeating former champion Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight championship, Makhachev is making his first defence of the title in this contest. Volkanovski has remained unbeaten for almost ten years in his professional career and has never lost in the UFC Octagon.
The co-main event of the evening will crown an interim featherweight champion because Volkanovski is engaged. For the undisputed championship, Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett will compete for the trophy and a future opportunity to face Volkanovski.

Islam Makhachev (1.28) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (3.75)
This matchup clearly represents grappler vs striker in the modern era. Despite his boasting, Makhachev is unable to match Volkanovski’s speed, movement, and striking. Makhachev might be successful enough with the takedowns to catch Volkanovski off guard on the feet, similar to what he did to Charles Oliveira and what Khabib Nurmagomedov did to Conor McGregor, but that’s about it. All of this is related to Makhachev’s wrestling. It’s difficult for me to think that Makhachev won’t submit Volkanovski, and I’m not certain that the featherweight champion’s skilled scrambling will outweigh Makhachev’s intimidating top pressure. Volkanovski will undoubtedly arrive on fight night with improved grappling and exceptional cage awareness, but unless he has recently discovered one-shot power up a weight class, he’s in for a tough night. Therefore, Makhachev should win this fight via submission.
- Islam Makhachev (1.28) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (3.75)
Predictions: Islam Makhachev wins or the fight goes over 1.5 rounds @1.30
- Yair Rodriguez (1.53) vs. Josh Emmett (2.50)
Predictions: Yair Rodriguez wins
- Jack Della Madalena (1.35) vs. Randy Brown (3.50)
Prediction: Jack Della Madelena wins
- Justin Tafa (2.00) vs. Parker Porter (2.00)
Prediction: Justin Tafa wins
- Jimmy Crute (1.53) vs. Alonzo Menfield (2.50)
Prediction: Jimmy Crute wins
Watch the LIVE coverage of UFC 284 – Makhachev vs Volkanovski on Sony Sports Ten 2 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 12th February 2023 from 8:30 am IST