WATCH: Stephen Thompson’s jaw-dropping reaction as Islam Makhachev delivers an insane knockout to Alexander Volksnovski

Stephen Thompson reacts fervently to Islam Makhachev's knockout kick.

WATCH: Stephen Thompson’s jaw-dropping reaction as Islam Makhachev delivers an insane knockout to Alexander Volksnovski

Islam Makhachev, Stephen Thompson and Alexander Volkanovski (Via IMAGO)

Islam Makhachev silenced the doubters when he defeated Alexander Volkanovski via first-round knockout. This was executed with a perfectly timed head kick to retain his lightweight championship at UFC 294. Their previous bout, at UFC 284, marked the same result. But back then, Volkanovski was coming out on top for going toe-to-toe with the lightweight king.

But this time, Makhachev left no doubt unfulfilled. A video has surfaced with former welterweight contender Stephen Thompson reacting to the knockout. Thompson is ranked #6 in the division. Reacting to the knockout, he exclaimed: 

I knew it! I knew it — top of the dome. Oh my gosh! He got clipped top of the dome, and went down. Islam Makhachev is a great champion...
Steven Thompson via UFC Watch Party
YouTube video

The matchup saw both fighters go at it with full resolve. But in the first round itself, Makhachev followed up with one big body kick after another. After several kicks, he went for the final one. He attacked Volkanovski with his left shin, this time toward the head. The impact wobbled Volkanovski back toward the cage. The opponent wasted no time in following up with ground-and-pounds until the referee put an end to it.

FS Video

Makhachev and his insane knockout kick has been well-received by many in the MMA world. Thompson himself took to Instagram and deliberated more on the bout, with detailed breakdowns.

Stephen Thompson breaks down Islam Makhachev’s kick-and-fight strategy

As Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski with a head kick, former UFC welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson weighed in on the strategy. He broke down how the head kick was available for the lightweight champion to take advantage of. ‘Wonderboy’ took to Instagram to post a reel to his account.

Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 (Source: X/UFC News Today)

Speaking on the matter, Thompson accordingly said:

We're gonna talk about why this head-kick was there all day long! Islam Makhachev was constantly going to the body during this fight. Those hand start to drop down lower to the body cause they're worried about that body kick. So he was constantly throwing the front kick and of course the low leg-kicks.

He also mentioned that the lightweight champion was effective with his knockout because he hit over his glove. Wonderboy mentioned that technique was a prime factor that allowed the Dagestani to land the head kick.

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