: Volkanovski stepped in on less than two weeks' notice to attempt to avenge his loss.
: Makhachev ended all doubt by landing a perfectly timed left head kick in the first round. UFC: Makhachev vs Volkanovski
: After the kick dropped Volkanovski, Makhachev followed up with ground strikes, ending the fight at 3:06 of Round 1 to retain his title . UFC 284: Makhachev vs Volkanovski Results : Volkanovski stepped in on less than two
The second fight came together under dramatic circumstances after Charles Oliveira was forced to withdraw due to injury just 11 days before the event. UFC 284: Makhachev vs Volkanovski Results The second
: Volkanovski finished the final round in top position landing heavy strikes, but Makhachev’s early lead in striking and control time earned him the unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46). The Rematch: UFC 294
Their first bout is widely regarded as an all-time classic. Makhachev, the Lightweight champion, traveled to Volkanovski's home turf in Australia.
: It was a grueling five-round battle where Volkanovski, the Featherweight champion moving up in weight, shocked many by effectively neutralizing much of Makhachev’s wrestling.