"It will stand the test of time"- Unseen reactions from Steven Seagal, Daniel Cormier, and more in the wake of Islam Makhachev's UFC 294 triumph

Islam Makhachev was able to retain his lightweight title at UFC 294 as he defeated Alexander Volkanovski via a first-round knockout that was started with a vicious head kick followed by a sequence of punches.

Will Harris of Anatomy of a Fighter shared unseen reactions to the performance from various stars in attendance.

Actor and film producer Steven Seagal stated:

"Shocking. It was - he went low, high and I think Volk just kind of, sort of, got sucked in. I was pretty surprised. I thought it was going to go a little longer. I think he can go a lot further. I think he's just beginning, man. I think he's going to - I think he's got good hands. He's a good boxer. He's got a good ground game and just a great wrestler. I think he's going to go a lot further and he's had a great camp and a great background. He's had the best trainers and a great life. That's the way you've got to train, like that."

Mixed martial arts analyst Jon Anik shared:

"Islam Makhachev, Javier Mendez and everybody else wanted this one in the worst way because I do believe there was a little bit of a false narrative about the close nature of that first fight. I did believe, respectfully, that Islam Makhachev won the first four rounds of that fight and now you get your closure, your finality, with all the style points in the world. Congratulations to the pound-for-pound king. At least right now in 2023, it's Islam Makhachev."

UFC Hall of Famer and former double champ Daniel Cormier stated:

"He really is just tipping the iceberg. The guy has always been special and now you see him as a champion and to do that to that guy. Hey, it's one thing to win, but when you do that to that guy, it's even most impressive so for as good as he is, I believe that the victory over Alexander Volkanovski will stand the test of time because of how good Alexander Volkanovski is. But hat's off to Islam. He's the No.1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. No doubt about it. Put him at No.1."

Social media personality Hasbulla added:

"Very good. Like. A+."

Check out the comments on Islam Makhachev's performance below (starting at the 10:30 mark):

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Dana White shoots down welterweight title shot for Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev has expressed his interest in fighting for the welterweight title and becoming a double champ. However, UFC president and CEO Dana White does not see that happening at the moment, stating:

"I don't see that happening any time soon, but if he defends the belt for another year and wanted to move up, why not?"

Check out Dana White's comments below:

White did not specify who Makhachev will face in his next title defense. A rematch with Charles Oliveira, who was forced to withdraw from UFC 294, could happen, while a bout against 'BMF' champ Justin Gaethje is also a possibility.