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          UFC 284: Makhachev's win over Volkanovski shakes up Twitter

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          Islam Makhachev outlasts Alexander Volkanovski in thriller to retain title (1:15)

          Islam Makhachev wins a thriller vs. Alexander Volkanovski to retain his UFC lightweight title at UFC 284. (1:15)

          • William E. Ricks
          Feb 12, 2023, 01:30 AM ET

          UFC 284's main event between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski for the lightweight championship had the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, buzzing from start to finish Saturday.

          Both fighters put forth a valiant effort, as the match was decided by the judges after five rounds. According to ESPN Stats & Information, it was the second time Makhachev went to the championship rounds in his career, the eighth time for Volkanovski.

          The fifth and final round provided an exceptional finish to what was a thrilling fight.

          Makhachev emerged victorious via unanimous decision. It is Makhachev's 12th consecutive victory, which is now the longest active streak in the UFC. He improves to 24-1 overall and will likely obtain the No. 1 spot in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings.

          Boxing star Devin Haney was among the stars who congratulated Makhachev on retaining his lightweight championship.

          For Volkanovski, it ended a 12-fight win streak, which was the longest active streak in the UFC entering Sunday.

          "He didn't respect my wrestling, grappling," Volkanovski said. "Maybe I didn't respect his striking enough, either. He landed some shots. Fair play to both of us."

          The Australian fighter's record drops to 25-2 overall, but some thought Volkanovski did enough to secure the victory.

          After the loss, Volkanovski is expected to face newly crowned interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez.