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In a stunning display of dominance, Islam Makhachev asserted his claim to the title of the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in MMA after his resounding victory at UFC 294. Daniel Cormier, a respected figure in the world of mixed martial arts, fervently believes that Makhachev's performance in the Octagon now places him at the pinnacle of the sport.
Makhachev, the reigning lightweight champion, defended his title against featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski in an exhilarating rematch that had fans on the edge of their seats. This battle was a stark contrast to their first encounter, where Makhachev secured a close decision win at UFC 284 in February. However, in the UFC 294 rematch, Makhachev needed just one round to deliver a devastating knockout blow to Volkanovski, solidifying his supremacy.
As Cormier passionately noted on his YouTube channel, "The way he was able to separate himself from Alex over eight months – special." Makhachev's evolution as a fighter was evident, and his stunning victory has left the MMA community abuzz with excitement.
While Makhachev's first triumph over Volkanovski did not immediately propel him to the No. 1 pound-for-pound spot, the return of Jon Jones and his capture of the heavyweight title at UFC 285 in March caused a reshuffling in the rankings. This momentarily pushed Makhachev to the third position. But according to Cormier, Makhachev's definitive win at UFC 294 against a formidable opponent like Volkanovski should undoubtedly make him the top-ranked fighter.
Cormier voiced his enthusiasm, saying,
"It was awesome to watch. He's the best. Now people will start to wonder if he will be a better world champion than Khabib if he's going to be the greatest lightweight of all time. I don't know if that's going to happen – it's going to take a little more. But what can't be denied is that he is now the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, and why? Because of the person that he just beat and the fashion that he just beat (him). It's unreal."
In the aftermath of UFC 294, Islam Makhachev's ascent to the summit of MMA's pound-for-pound rankings is a testament to his exceptional skills and his ability to evolve as a fighter. Fans can't wait to see what the future holds for this extraordinary athlete as he continues to shape the landscape of mixed martial arts.