Islam Makhachev will make his first defense of his UFC lightweight title this weekend as he takes on featherweight champion Aleksandr Volkanovski on Australian soil.
Makhachev followed in the footsteps of his coach and childhood friend Khabib Nurmagomedov by capturing the lightweight belt in October, prompting Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant belt.
Now, the Russian is defending gold against Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 284, as “Alexander the Great” seeks to become the fifth double-welterweight champion in UFC history.
In the co-main event, Yair Rodriguez will battle Josh Emmett for the interim featherweight title, and determine who will challenge Volkanowski for the undisputed 145-pound status next.
Here’s everything you need to know.
when is it?
UFC 284 takes place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on Saturday, February 11th.
The first premieres will start at 11:00 PM GMT (3:00 PM PT, 5:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM ET), with a follow-up at 1:00 AM BST on Sunday, 12 February (5:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. PT, 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday).
The main card is scheduled to start at 3:00 AM BST on Sunday (7:00 PM PT, 9:00 PM ET, 10:00 PM ET on Saturday).
How can I watch?
The card will be broadcast live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also broadcasting the fights.
In the US, ESPN+ will broadcast the event live, as will the fight card from the UFC.
opportunities
UFC featherweight champion Aleksandr Volkanovski will be aiming for a second title
(Getty Images)
Makhachev – 1/4; Volkanovsky – 3/1
Rodriguez – 08/13; Emmett – 10/13
full card (subject to change)
key card
Islam Makhachev (C) – Alexander Volkanovski (Featherweight Champion) (Lightweight title)
Yair Rodriguez vs. Josh Emmett (Interim Featherweight Title)
Jacques Della Maddalena vs. Randy Brown (Lightweight)
Justin Tava – Parker Porter (heavyweight)
Jimmy Crutt vs. Alonzo Minifield (Heavyweight)
Yair Rodriguez will take on Josh Emmett to be crowned the Interim Featherweight Champion
(Getty Images)
preliminary
Tyson Pedro vs Modestas Bukaukaskas (Light Heavyweight)
Josh Colebaugh vs Melisek Bagdasaryan (Featherweight)
Shannon Ross – Clydeson Rodriguez (flyweight)
Jack Jenkins vs Don Shinis (Featherweight)
Jimmy Mularkey – Francisco Prado (Lightweight)
preliminary
Jack Jenkins vs Don Shinis (Featherweight)
Luma Lukbunmi vs. Elise Reed (Women’s Strawweight)
Shin Young vs. Blake Builder (Featherweight)
Zubira Tukhogov vs. Elvis Brenner (Lightweight)
