Islam Makhachev hit with 'cheating' bombshell after win over Alex Volkanovski
Another fighter has made the huge allegation of the Russian after his win over the Australian.
New Zealand UFC fighter Dan Hooker has made the sensational allegation that Islam Makhachev 'cheated' ahead of his controversial victory over Alexander Volkanovski. In what was one of the greatest fights in UFC history, lightweight champion Makhachev narrowly defeated featherweight champion Volkanovski on the judges scorecards in their pound-for-pound showdown.
The odds didn't give Australian champ Volkanovski much of a chance against the bigger Makhachev in the UFC card in Perth, but the larger-than-life Aussie had the crowd on their feet at the bell as he unleashed ground and pound to end the fight on a high.
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While many had the Australian winning a close decision, Makhachev's wrestling proved just enough on the officials scorecards as he won an extremely close fight 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.
However, in a stunning accusation, fellow fighter Hooker has taken to social media to allege Makhachev cheated ahead of the fight. The New Zealand fighter has alleged the Russian used an IV drip to rehydrate between the weigh-in and the fight.
“Dumb c**t thinks he can fly to Australia to hire a nurse to give him an I.V and we won’t find out,” he wrote on social media. "Cheating dog." Hooker didn't initially name Makhachev as the fighter he alleged to have cheated.
Hooker added: "He doesn’t cheat, he doesn’t win.” While Hooker didn't initially name the Russian, he later added: "Islam is a cheat."
Hooker is a teammate of Volkanovski at City Kickboxing. There has been no proof Makhachev cheated in his fight against Volkanvoski. Hooker has not backed-up his allegations, which has caused a stir in the UFC world.
ASADA banned the use of IV drips to help fighters rehydrate between a weight-cut and fight day to help improve athlete safety. The ban for using an IV drip can be as long as two years.
Alexander Volkanovski calls for rematch
Volkanovski produced one of the all-time great performances to push lightweight champion Islam Makhachev all the way in their pound-for-pound showdown. Makhachev stuck to his game plan throughout the fight and while he said he was going to knock the Australian out, the Dagestan fighter consistently shot for the takedown in the first three rounds.
While very few fighters have been able to get back to their feet once Makhachev got his hands on them, Volkanovski showed why he is a crowd favourite. Volkanovski fought for every inch as he clawed his way back to his feet on numerous occasions. The Australian's famous gas tank also shone in the latter half of the fight.
The featherweight champion peppered Makhachev with right hands and dropped him in the fifth. With one minute left, Volkanovski pounced on Makhachev and let fly with ground and pound in an attempt to put him away.
Volkanovski finished the fresher of the two fighters as Makhachev's face was cut up and bruised. However, unfortunately for the home crowd, Makhachev's wrestling had proved just enough as he won an extremely close fight 48-47, 48-47 and 49-46.
“I showed why I am No.1,” Makhachev said as the crowd booed him. “He has good striking, good wrestling skills … but like it or not, I am the best fighter in the world.” Both fighters have agreed to a rematch if it is put to them by the UFC.
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