MMA community praise Australian fans in attendance at UFC 284 in Perth for treating Islam Makhachev with respect

The MMA community had plenty of praise for the Australian fans in attendance at the UFC 284 open workout in Perth for the way they treated Islam Makhachev during his workout.

MMA Junkie posted Makhachev's open workout to their YouTube channel and many fans commented that they noticed a big difference in how the Australian fans treated him compared to how other fighters were treated in Brazil.

Fans wrote:

"Australians rock man. Day and night difference compared to the Brazilians." [Ben Dover - YouTube]

"See the difference between the Aussie fans and Brazilian fans" [SantosG - YouTube]

"Wow Aussie people really got me positive opinion about em,very friendly and generous people [Kevin - YouTube]

"Credit to the Aussie fans. I feel like the respect between both fighters helps. Just good vibes all round." [Abdul - YouTube]

"It’s so cool to see all those Australians love Islam like that. That’s what you call real fans of the sport." [Ryan UFC - YouTube]

"Love the crowd great energy ...loved Islams chat how could hate this kid..Lets go Islam" [mannyzification - YouTube]

Fans were able to witness what Makhachev had to offer and some of the areas where he could pose a threat to 'Volk.' There were comments that highlighted the UFC lightweight champion's grappling and what he is capable of in terms of his striking, writing:

"Islam has power in both hands, every punch is possible knockout, example knocking out Tibau, with the treat of his unreal grapling skills he ll be unstoppable for a long time until he decides to move up at welterweight" [Bmw Bavaria - YouTube]

"Super clean hip tosses.. Even in slow mo it looked fast." [ComplexRGS - YouTube]

"My takeaway - the gap in graphing is probably bigger than the gap in striking. So it will be good experience for Volk" [Square& - YouTube]

"Dang those knees look vicious!" [Love Lizz - YouTube]

Makhachev has an opportunity to take Volkanovski's spot atop the UFC pound-for-pound rankings if he defeats the featherweight champion in dominant fashion.

Check out the full open workout:

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Islam Makhachev is confident he will move to No.1 in UFC pound-for-pound rankings

Islam Makhachev is confident that he will defeat Alexander Volkanovski to move to No.1 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.

The reigning lightweight champion addressed the fans in attendance at his open workout and discussed his upcoming fight with the dominant featherweight champion. He mentioned that 'Volk' has great striking but he intends to test his grappling and take his spot in the rankings.

He said:

"He's [Alexander Volkanovski] a good striker but we're gonna check his wrestling and his grappling skills. Sorry guys, sorry but very soon we gonna change pound-for-pound king." [9:18 - 9:30]

It will be interesting to see if the lightweight champion's prediction will happen or if the challenger has a few surprises up his sleeve to pull off an upset.