UFC Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev faced featherweight champion and no.1 Pound-for-Pound fighter Alexander Vokanovski on Sunday, February 12 in Perth in the main event of UFC 284. Makhachev successfully defended his title as he was declared as the winner via unanimous decision. He also denied Volkanovski’s dream to become the latest UFC champ-champ.
Meanwhile, UFC middleweight fighter Dan Hooker accused Makhachev of using intravenous (IV) injections to rehydrate before the fight. Volkanovski also talked about Makhachev’s IV use in an interview leading up to UFC 284. As per USADA regulations, fighters can face a ban of up to two years if IV use is proven. According to them,
“Intravenous infusions and injections are prohibited as a method both in-competition and out-of-competition if the volume delivered exceeds 100 mL within a 12-hour period.” written in the USADA website.
Athletes would put a bag of saline in their arm: USADA CEO
USADA CEO Travis Tygart, during an appearance on The MMA Hour, claimed that IV infusions with someone else’s blood could result in game-changing benefits. He further claimed that athletes had effectively used saline injections just before testing to alter their test results. Explaining the principal reason behind the IV ban, the USADA chief said:
“Because, putting a bag of saline over 50 ml, for example is the rule, would potentially mask or alter the blood testing that was done. And there were examples in there where athletes would put a bag of saline in their arms when they saw the blood collectors coming to collect their blood. And they just delayed reporting for 15 min. So, that was really the purpose behind the rule.”
Makhachev defeated Volkanovski in an epic five-round battle via unanimous decision. His size turned out to be one of his key advantages. His striking more often did visible damage in exchanges, and his grappling at times gave Volkanovski fits. In the end, the judges all gave the lightweight champion the fight via scores of 48-47 twice and 49-46.
Here’s how fans reacted:
haters dying of jealousy. Nothing surprising
— doctor cool (@docmkam) February 15, 2023
— Ray (@Zuha_01) February 16, 2023
The only solution is for them to have a fight again, Dan hooker can keep that same energy in the octagon ?????
— Munna (@Munzi100) February 15, 2023
— carlos Franco (@Lasvegasfrancos) February 16, 2023
A man is only as good as his words…volk did not honour his
— vaskerdegem (@vaskerdegem) February 15, 2023
Dan hooker is absolute hooker
— gerry gristanto (@GGristanto) February 15, 2023
Kehdo ki yeh jhut hai
— Cricketbugs (@Cricketbugs0) February 16, 2023
https://twitter.com/Alexend30362601/status/1625834652635389952?s=20
