UFC 294 is set to take place in Abu Dhabi on October 21, 2023. The fight card that was originally scheduled went through multiple changes as the event came closer. Today, we look back at what were the original fights that were set to take place at UFC 294.
In the main event of the card Islam Makhachev was set to defend his UFC Lightweight championship against Charles Oliveira. This would have been a rematch of UFC 280 where the pair fought for the vacant title. Makhachev won that bout and took home the title.
In the co-main event, a Middleweight bout between Khamzat Chimaev was set to take place against Paulo Costa. It was the first time the pair were about to face off. It was also reported that the winner of the bout would go on to face Sean Strickland for the title.
Next, a Light Heavyweight bout was set between Russian fighter Magomed Ankalaev and Brazilian fighter Johnny Walker. Another Russian set to fight on the card is Ikram Aliskerov. He was supposed to go up against French fighter Nassourdine Imavov in a Middleweight bout. The final main card fight was supposed to be Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov – a Bantamweight bout.
Here’s the official poster for UFC 294 featuring Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 and Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev 🤌 pic.twitter.com/DoH60Q6bVf
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) September 27, 2023
The preliminary card featured eight bouts. A Flyweight bout between Tim Elliott and Muhammad Mokaev. Two Lightweight bouts – Mohammad Yahya vs. Trevor Peek, and Mike Breeden vs. Anshul Jubli. A Bantamweight bout – Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry. A Middleweight bout – Abu Azaitar vs. Sedriques Dumas. A Featherweight bout – Nathaniel Wood vs. Muhammad Naimov.
The only women’s bout on the card is a strawweight bout – Â Victoria Dudakova vs. Jinh Yu Frey, and lastly, UFC 294 was set to feature the highly anticipated debut of Sharabutdin Magomedov against Bruno Silva at Middleweight.
What changes have taken place in the UFC 294 fight card?
UFC 294 was a real test for UFC CEO Dana White. However, White was not phased. He passed the test with flying colors. On very short notice, multiple issues came up with the card but he dealt with them smartly.
The main event was in jeopardy as Oliveira pulled out due to an injury near his eye. The Brazilian was replaced by UFC Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The Aussie agreed to move up from Featherweight on short notice.
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 co-main event was also jeopardized by an injury. Paulo Costa revealed just a few weeks before the event that he had to go through surgery on his elbow. Although he wanted to continue, the UFC thought it was better to make some changes. Kamaru Usman was brought in to replace Costa. Usman agreed to move up from Welterweight and fight at Middleweight.
Kamaru Usman will face Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight bout at #UFC294 after Paulo Costa wasn’t medically cleared following surgery, UFC announced Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/cpOOByma3E
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 11, 2023
In the other Middleweight bout of the main card, Imavov faced visa issues and he was replaced by TUF Brazil winner Warlley Alves.
No other replacements were made. However, due to Mike Breeden and Victoria Dudakova missing weight, their bouts will be fought at Catchweight.