(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Islam Makhachev after UFC 284 title defense?)
Alexander Volkanovski fell narrowly short in his opportunity to become a two-division champion Saturday when he lost to fellow titleholder Islam Makhachev in the UFC 284 headliner.
Volkanovski (25-2 MMA, 12-1 UFC) pushed Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) to the brink in front of his home country fans at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, but ultimately was unable to get it done and suffered a unanimous decision loss in a highly competitive fight.
Despite the loss, Volkanovski remains featherweight champion, and it’s quite clear what’s next after Yair Rodriguez won the interim 145-pound belt with a submission of Josh Emmett in the UFC 284 co-headliner.
What makes most sense for the fight, though? Where should it happen? When should it happen? And does Rodriguez (15-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) have a chance against Volkanovski, who never has lost in the division in which he holds gold?
Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on the Volkanovski vs. Rodriguez matchup after UFC 284.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 284.
Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Alexander Volkanovski after UFC 284 loss?