Volkanovski says he's still UFC No 1 and wants Makhachev rematch to prove it

Alexander Volkanovski believes he is still the pound-for-pound No 1 male fighter in the UFC, and has called for an immediate rematch with Islam Makhachev so he can prove it.

The featherweight champion lost narrowly to the welterweight belt-holder in a gripping contest at 155lbs at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, on Sunday after moving up a division to chase "double-champ" status.

Volkanovski, who went into the bout at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, lost by unanimous decision to the then-No 2 – his first defeat in 23 professional fights.

The Australian, 25-2 in pro MMA, said after the bout that he watched it back and felt he won Rounds 2, 3 and 5.

On Monday night, Volkanovski doubled down on that opinion, telling The MMA Hour that he still felt he deserved to be regarded as the sport’s No 1 male athlete. When the updated rankings where later released, he remained at the summit.

“A lot of people thought I won that fight; I thought I won that fight, and I moved up,” Volkanovski said. “We’re talking about pound-for-pound. Imagine if we were in the same weight class.

“I don’t want to be that guy, but if he was just a featherweight in my division, I’d squash him… it’s a walk in the park. No offence to him, but that’s legit.

“I think I still proved I’m the better fighter and I’m pound-for-pound No. 1. But that’s not up to me.”

Volkanovski, already regarded by many as the greatest featherweight of all-time, gave Makhachev the toughest test to date of his 25-fight pro career, with the Dagestani conceding as much afterwards.

Just watched the fight, I definitely think I won 2,3 and 5. Surprised I didn’t get my hand raised! Let’s do the rematch, anywhere, anytime!