UFC 294 is upon us, however, Dana White is under huge pressure as the big fights of the night including Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliviera and Paulo Costa vs Khamzat Chimaev are crumbling. Oliviera has pulled out due to an injury. He has been replaced by the UFC Featherweight champion, ‘The Great’ Alexander Volkanovski. On the other hand, Costa’s elbow injury seems to keep him in contention as well.
The fight card was announced a while back. However, just 10 days before the fight, White was left in a tough spot. Brazilian fighter Oliviera received a huge blow just above his eye that deemed him unfit for the main event. Luckily, for White, the main event is still in good hands. Makhachev vs Volkanovski is going to be a cracker as both are extraordinary fighters.
Breaking: Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight title in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, UFC announced on Tuesday.
Charles Oliveira, originally slated for the bout vs. Makhachev, pulled out due to an injury. pic.twitter.com/y7Y2poBf0W
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 11, 2023
The rest of the fights on the main card include a Light Heavyweight bout between Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker and a Bantamweight bout between Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov. A Middleweight bout between Nassourdine Imavov and Ikram Aliskerov is also on the card, however, some reports suggest that Imavov has been replaced by Warlley Alves.
For those unaware, just like it was supposed to be the second fight between Makhachev and Oliviera, this has now turned into the second fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski. It is a rematch of Makhachev’s last title defense in February 2023 at UFC 284. Volkanovski has got another shot at the title just eight months apart.
UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski stats
Stats | Islam Makhachev | Alexander Volkanovski |
---|---|---|
Wins | 24 | 26 |
Losses | 1 | 2 |
Height | 5 ft 10 in | 5 ft 6 in |
Division | Lightweight | Lightweight |
Reach | 70 in | 71 in |
Age | 31 | 35 |
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski: Fight breakdown and prediction
Makhachev will clearly have the upper hand going into this bout considering he already defeated Volkanovski not too long ago. However, Volkanovski can rejoice in the fact that statistically he had a very strong fight.
The Aussie had an impressive total strikes of 164 to Makhachev’s 95. When it comes to significant strikes, Volkanovski led that as well – 70 to 57. Many fans and analysts still believe that judges got it wrong on the night. However, that does not change the decision. UFC 294 is going to be Volkanovski’s chance at redemption.
The Aussie last fought at UFC 290 to defend his UFC Featherweight title against Yair Rodriguez in July. Volk picked up a comfortable victory via a KO in the third round. On the other hand, Makhachev’s last fight was in February against Volk.
Makhachev vs Volkanovski – UFC 284 RESULT HIGHLIGHTS FULL FIGHT #UFC284 pic.twitter.com/l7AuBbuY6T
— Smart links – Sports (@try_freewatch) February 12, 2023
It is hard to predict how prepared Volkanovski is for this fight considering he has come in as a replacement quite late. He was set to continue at Featherweight and defend his title against Ila Topuria at UFC 297. But he has agreed to move up a division to have another shot at being a double-division champion.
Even after an extremely close bout at UFC 284, Volkanovski is at a huge disadvantage due to his lack of preparation at Lightweight. Meanwhile, Makhachev has been preparing with none other than the undefeated UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.