UFC 284 - Main Event and Co-Main Event

At UFC 284, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will defend his title against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in an epic clash of the top two pound-for-pound fighters in the company.

This PPV card also features an exciting interim featherweight championship bout between Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett, plus 11 other exciting matchups taking place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Stay up to date on all the real-time updates, odds, start time, tickets, weigh ins, predictions, previews, video highlights, press conferences and more with ESPN+ streaming live PPV event coverage before, during and after it takes place!

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski

At UFC 284, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will defend his title against pound-for-pound king Alexander Volkanovski for the first time. These two have been at their peak recently and look to extend their dominance on Saturday in Perth, Australia.

At UFC 284, fans will witness one of the greatest fights in pound-for-pound history: Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski taking center stage at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. It has been quite some time since we've seen such an epic clash between two elite fighters from around the globe - and it won't be for nothing!

No. 1 on the UFC's Pro to Pro list, Volkanovski enters this fight with several disadvantages. For one thing, Islam stands four inches taller than Volkanovski and thus has the advantage in both height and weight.

Volkanovski has previously demonstrated his ability to take down opponents with ease. Additionally, his striking is one of the fastest in the UFC, and this ability to land multiple strikes quickly in rapid succession could prove pivotal in the coming round, potentially leading to an impressive victory for Australia's fighter.

Volkanovski's lightning-quick strikes and control of distance in the clinch were on full display during his last trilogy fight against Max Holloway, making him the man to beat when facing Islam.

Islam can use his wrestling abilities and timing to secure submissions. Additionally, he can get on top of his opponent and secure a back mount, which could be key in the coming round.

This Dagestani fighter has made drastic weight cuts to reach 190 pounds, giving him power comparable to middleweights and standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall. This type of fighter is capable of dominating any opponent in the 155 division.

Islam remains a challenge for the 145-pounder, so Volkanovski must be able to see him far away, control his ranges, and prevent Islam from taking downs that are too easy or quick. Additionally, some body work should be included into his routine so it becomes harder for Islam to switch levels quickly.

Yair Rodriguez vs. Josh Emmett

On Saturday night, Yair Rodriguez (14-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) and Josh Emmett (18-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) will square off in the co-main event of ufc 284 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Both fighters are ranked within the top 10 of their featherweight division; it will be interesting to see which one emerges as the interim champion.

Rodriguez may be seven years younger than him, but he still boasts plenty of experience and knows how to put on an impressive performance in the cage. A strong grappler who feels secure on his feet, Rodriguez also boasts impressive kickboxing skills which make him a formidable foe inside the octagon.

He's a formidable opponent on the ground, and his ability to land powerful punches will be crucial. An elusive striker who can stifle opponents with his hands, feet, knees, and elbows, it will be essential to keep him off balance in this battle.

Emmett must employ body-head combinations and shifting combinations to take advantage of Rodriguez's movement. Furthermore, Emmett should draw upon his wrestling background for potential ground battles if needed.

Opponents to Rodriguez have been given the edge, but Emmett, 36 years old and undefeated in five fights, isn't afraid to go head-to-head with any opponent. His recent split decision win over Calvin Kattar last June showed just that.

Emmett has never fought anyone ranked below him in the featherweight division, making this an intriguing matchup. No matter the outcome, this will be an important first step on his path towards becoming a title contender.

Rodriguez is an adept grappler who has the ability to stifle opponents with his striking. His takedown defense and high percentage of submissions demonstrate his skill level.

His signature kicks will be instrumental in this fight, as they are an essential element of his style and should help him close distance against an elusive opponent. Additionally, he should utilize his height and reach advantages to keep Emmett away from him and out of the octagon throughout the duration of their encounter.

Jack Della Maddalena vs. Randy Brown

Jack Della Maddalena is one of the hottest prospects in the UFC right now and this weekend's main event offers him the opportunity to showcase his abilities against an experienced opponent as well as one of the top prospects in his division. With 13 wins under his belt, it's no surprise that betting lines are heavily favoring him for this fight.

Brown is no pushover, though, and he's well-prepared for a tough test at welterweight. A four-fight win streak has given him confidence going into this matchup and he believes everyone is underestimating him.

It's easy to see why, as Brown has better reach and is a more versatile striker than Della Maddalena. His excellent jab should be enough to keep Maddalena on his toes throughout most of the fight, plus Brown will also utilize his kicks frequently with the lead sidekick.

Brown has an impressive striking arsenal, but he also possesses a formidable grappling game as a brown belt. He can quickly get into the bottom position and throw some serious submissions if given the advantage.

He may not be as dominant as some of the top welterweights on the roster, but he does possess some quality submissions and will be looking to add points in this match-up. But first he must avoid getting taken down by Della Maddalena who boasts plenty of depth in the clinch.

Brown only began fighting in the UFC one year ago, so he has had ample opportunity to hone his craft and sharpen his skillset. Now, Brown is on track for breaking into the Top 15 at welterweight and now is an ideal time for him to make a statement.

Fans of mixed martial arts (MMA) will be thrilled by the main card of UFC 284. Among the many exciting fights on offer is this welterweight match-up between Jack Della Maddalena and Randy Brown. Whoever emerges victorious will earn a place in the Top 15 rankings for welterweights - making this victory important for either fighter.

Jimmy Crute vs. Alonzo Menifield

On Saturday night in Perth, Australia, UFC 284 kicks off with a title fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Additionally, Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett will square off for the interim featherweight championship in a co-main event.

On Saturday evening, Jimmy Crute and Alonzo Menifield will headline the card with a fight at 205 pounds. The 26-year-old Crute has been struggling since losing to Jamahal Hill in December 2021; this could be his chance to get back on track with an impressive win against Menifield.

Crute has 13 professional fights under his belt and a 12-3-0 record, with three losses coming within the past five fights. While still an effective striker, Crute's tendency to drop-hands while kicking or throwing power shots has been his major flaw.

His orthodox style makes him ideal for the Octagon, as he consistently hits 3.91 significant strikes per minute with 56% accuracy. Additionally, he successfully defends against takedown attempts, stopping 85% of opponents' efforts.

He is a formidable finisher with 12 finishes in 13 victories. His average fight time is 6:12 minutes.

His grappling style is well suited for MMA, with the intention of establishing top position first, doing damage second and hunting submissions third. He opts for non-compromise submissions such as the kimura or arm triangle which don't require sacrificing position.

Menifield, at 205 pounds, has been on a two-fight winning streak, earning victories over Askar Mozharov and Misha Cirkunov in his last two matches. He's an unbeatable fighter who won his last fight against Cirkunov by knockout. With this latest performance against Cirkunov, Menifield proved that he is capable of knocking out anyone.

Crute remains the favorite to win this matchup despite his recent loss. His higher salary in DFS contests makes him even more appealing and he is expected to score a comfortable victory over Menifield on Saturday.

Fans of the Light Heavyweight division must watch this matchup. It features an exciting battle between two heavyweight contenders as they vie for top honors on the UFC rankings. Furthermore, this card offers plenty of value, particularly in its early rounds with some intriguing matchups.