Alexander Volkanovski got "cocky" against Islam Makhachev that cost him points on the ground: Coach Eugene Bareman

Alexander Volkanovski posed Islam Makhachev with the toughest challenge of his career in the main event at UFC 284. However, 'The Great' came up on the short side of a unanimous decision that many believe could have gone either way.

While 'The Great' displayed exceptional takedown defense throughout the bout, Makhachev managed to land his first takedown late in round 1, even attempting a rear-naked choke. As per Volkanovski's coach Eugene Bareman, the Aussie lost position in the first ground scrap due to his cockiness.

Bareman claimed that 'The Great,' whilst defending the takedown, was telling Dan Hooker and other teammates that he was almost out of Makhachev's grip. The Dagestani champ seemingly locked in a body triangle at that exact moment and went on to ride out the round on Volkanovski's back. Bareman said in an interview with Combat TV:

"Alex was in the process of escaping before the triangle...At the same time while he was in turtle, he was looking at all the boys in the front row, Dan and them and saying, 'I'm out'. You know, being a little bit, in my opinion, cocky...And about that exact time that Alex did that, Islam jumped to the body triangle. And that just goes to show that that's the level of the sport."

Catch Bareman's comments below:

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Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev seen plotting a rematch in Abu Dhabi

In the immediate aftermath of his UFC 284 loss to Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkanovski claimed that he was still the P4P king and asked for a rematch to prove it.

'The Great' recently shared a video of a post-fight meeting with Makhachev where they were seen discussing a potential rematch in Abu Dhabi. Volkanovksi can be heard saying:

“Should we do it again? Maybe Abu Dhabi. You deserve one in Abu Dhabi. My turn to get booed.”

Catch the video below:

While the lightweight champion and his team seemed open to a rematch, they did not mention whether it would come next. It must also be noted that the video was taken before Alexander Volkanovski's teammate Dan Hooker blatantly accused Makhachev of cheating.