UFC 284 Preview
UFC heads back Down Under for UFC 284 on February 12 when Islam Makhachev defends his lightweight title against featherweight champion and UFC pound-for-pound number one Alexander Volkanovski.
With strong home support at the RAC Arena in Perth, Volkanovski will be looking to become a two-weight world champion and show why he is considered the best male fighter in the brand.
Back in fight camp 👊 pic.twitter.com/P6uYWTTkSM
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) May 5, 2022
The 34-year-old has dominated the featherweight division since winning the title from Max Holloway in 2019. He is moving up in weight to test himself against the man just behind him on the UFC’s pound-for-pound list.
Despite his position in the UFC’s esteemed list, Volkanovski is the +275 underdog in the betting for the main event at UFC 284. But by using the BetMGM Bonus Code, fans can pick up a risk-free bet up to $1000 on their first wager. It means if the Australian does not win the fight, punters will pick up some free bets to use on other UFC events later in 2023.
Makhachev comes into the fight in Australia on the back of the biggest win of his career as he defeated Charles Oliveira for the UFC Lightweight Championship. He picked up a second-round submission success via an arm-triangle choke.
The 31-year-old from Russia has now won his last 11 fights in the UFC. He challenged Volkanovski immediately after his success against Oliveira and should he defend his title in that contest, it would be another major victory to his name.
Rodriguez to Fight for Interim Featherweight Title
Due to Volkanovski moving up in weight to face Makhachev, UFC has announced an interim fight between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett at UFC 284. At the very least, the winner of that contest will earn the right to meet the champion if he decides his future remains in the featherweight division.
Rodriguez was in the Octagon just once in 2022. He got the better of Brian Ortega by TKO in the first round of their fight in New York. That success moved him up to second place in the featherweight rankings.
The winner of the Ultimate Fighter: Latin Tournament has yet to challenge for a belt since signing with the UFC in 2014. This is a big opportunity for him against a man who has won his last five fights.
Maddalena Back in Action Following Two Big Performances
🚨 JACK DELLA MADDALENA is fighting on home soil! 🇦🇺
Perth born Della Maddalena welcomes Randy ‘Rudeboy’ Brown Down Under at #UFC284! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/R5XEDB01oR
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) January 6, 2023
Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena has picked up the Performance of the Night award in each of his last two appearances in the Octagon. He stopped Ramazan Emeev in the first round of their clash at UFC 275, while on his last assignment, he needed just 3 minutes and 24 seconds to beat Danny Roberts by TKO.
The welterweight fighter is considered one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC. All three of his wins in the brand have come in the opening round. This latest challenge is expected to be tougher as Randy Brown has a lot of experience. The American has four straight victories to his name.
This event will be the UFC’s 16th show in Australia. If Volkanovski can come out on top in the main bill, there may be many more heading to the country over the new few years.
