Makhachev win over Volkanovski at UFC 294 proves he is 'best MMA fighter in world'

Islam Makhachev believes his stunning victory against Alexander Volkanovski in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night proved he is the best mixed martial artist athlete in the world.

The lightweight champion, now 25-1 as a pro, successfully defended his title in the headline bout at Etihad Arena, knocking down Volkanovski with a brutal head kick in the first round before quickly sealing a TKO win.

Speaking to media following his victory, Makhachev said: “Some people underestimated my striking; in the first fight I showed people my striking.

“I think now, people will respect my striking. And I show I’m not just wrestler, grappler or striker. And I know I am best MMA fighter in the world.”

The win represented Makhachev’s second success against Volkanovski in eight months. In February, when the Australian was ranked the UFC's pound-for-pound No 1 and Makhachev its No 2, the Dagestani prevailed in Perth by unanimous decision.

Makhachev, whose win streak climbs to 13, said he had worked on the head kick throughout training for UFC 294, adding that he felt know that he had silenced those who doubted he defeated Volkanovski in the initial bout in February.

Volkanovski, the current featherweight champion, took the rematch on only 11 days’ notice following Charles Oliveira’s withdrawal through injury.

“Really happy to finish him first round, because if it happened in championship round people start to talk, ‘He took this fight short notice; he’s not ready for championship rounds’.

ISLAM MAKHACHEV JUST KNOCKED OUT ALEX VOLKANOVSKI