UFC 284 – Underrated, Under-Appreciated, Under-Promoted
Fight week is upon us, and this weekends PPV card brings us pound-for-pound #1 versus #2, you can’t ask for a much better matchup. Aussie native Alexander Volkanovski takes a step up in weight to put his 22 fight win-streak on the line against Dagestan’s own Islam Makhachev; Volkanovski dares to challenge for double-champ status by taking Makhachev’s lightweight strap.
It’s possibly the strongest matchup that can be made this year without considering the likes of Jon Jones or Conor McGregor, yet the promotion for the event has been less than desirable, and Islam Makhachev was keen to point that out.
Islam Makhachev Disappointed With Lack of Promotion for UFC 284
In an interview with R-Sports Russia, Makhachev expressed disappointment with the promotion for the event, stating a lack of attention particularly in terms of pay-per-view.
“I see that it is not such a big promotion,’ Makhachev said. “Dana White himself has some problems. He does not pay much attention to this fight. In terms of pay-per-view, yes, more could have been done. I only saw Volkanovski once, in Sydney. A tour could be organized around the world, a conference could be held in America.”
Makhachev told reporters on R-Sports Russia
Makhachev’s comments garner some validity, as the main headliner of an event that seems to be getting overlooked. UFC 284 takes place in Perth Australia, and the UFC has shown a tendency to overlook international events in the past. The two headliners have also been pleasant in media day face-offs, which does leave the UFC promotional team to generate as much hype as they can. However, this is the job of the UFC and not the fighters.
The UFC’s recent social media activity has also been criticised, with MMA Junkie reporter Mike Bohn noticing that only one of the 50 most recent posts on the UFC’s Twitter account was dedicated to UFC 284, while nine were dedicated to the Power Slap League.
Dana White Responds to Islam Makhachev’s Critique of UFC 284 Promotion
“First of all, he lives in Dagestan. What does he know about what’s going on for the promotion of the fight? He doesn’t know anything. It’s going to be one of the top-five biggest fights of all-time. First of all, the event sold out. Right? You couldn’t get a ticket if you wanted to get a ticket in Perth. And this thing is trending right now to be the biggest pay-per-view event in Australia, which, it’s like six percent behind the [McGregor vs Poirier 3 event]. It’s probably going to break the record. So to say that the fight hasn’t been [promoted], that’s just ridiculous. That’s what you call some internet BS.”
Dana White on The Jim Rome Show
