Alex Volkanovski details meeting 'shocked' Makhachev camp backstage post UFC 284 scrap

Alexander Volkanovski remained positive after coming up short in his attempt at becoming a two-division champion at UFC 284. He put on an incredible performance against Islam Makhachev and described what was said when he met with the lightweight champion's camp backstage after the fight.

During his post-fight press conference, Volkanovski described Makhachev's team reacting to what transpired during the fight. He mentioned that there's a great deal of respect between the two and that the lightweight champion's team was shocked that the fight was more competitive than they anticipated.

He said:

"We're both respectful dudes. I'm a respectful dude, I went over and congratulated him. Obviously, they (Islam Makhachev's team) again, I think they really thought that I was gonna be a walk in the park. So they were like shocked faces, but again, I expected them to be shocked, I expected him to see his face like I did out there." [14:39 - 14:57]

'Volk' also brought up that he was disappointed not to get his hand raised and that he could have taken advantage of different openings throughout the fight. He mentioned that he would welcome a rematch and would like an opportunity to avenge his loss to Makhachev, saying:

"I'm hearing that he was saying - I heard we saw could be wrong - that he was going back to his corner saying he wants a rematch cause he thought he lost. So, that's funny. I would jump on that, rematch." [2:32 - 2:44]

Volkanovski's performance will surely change the perception of his size at lightweight as he proved he can compete with Makhachev in all areas of the fight.

Check out the full press conference:

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Yair Rodriguez to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the featherweight championship

In addition to Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship, UFC 284 featured an interim featherweight championship bout between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett.

It was an impressive performance for Rodriguez, who overwhelmed Emmett with his precise striking and submitted him in the second round via triangle choke. With the win, the former TUF: Latin America winner will challenge 'Volk' for the featherweight championship in a unification bout.

'Pantera's' performance makes his upcoming title fight with 'Volk' even more intriguing. Fans will see how the reigning featherweight king deals with the unpredictable striking that the interim champion brings.