The main event of UFC 294 had such a surprise ending that no one was able to believe it. In the final match of the night, Islam Makhachev knocked out Alexander Volkanovski via a head kick to retain his lightweight championship. This was the first time Volkanovski was stopped in the UFC. Joe Rogan had a shocking reaction to the ending of this fight.
The UFC announcer was watching UFC 294 along with Brendan Schaub, Eddie Bravo, and Bryan Callen. As soon as Islam went for the head kick KO Joe Rogan went crazy as he said, “Oh my god, he head-kicked him. Wow, what a shocker, who saw that coming?”
Fight companion react to Islam Vs Volk
— 🌴ᴛʜᴇᴀʀᴛᴏꜰᴡᴀʀ🌴 (@TheArtOfWar6) October 21, 2023
Islam Makhachev has cemented his reign as a lightweight champion by beating Volk twice in a row. Their first encounter was very close and competitive but this time Islam made a statement by finishing Volkanovski in the first round.
Although Alexander Volkanovski took the fight on a 12-day notice, fans were expecting a competitive fight. Just like Joe Rogan said, no one in the MMA community saw that coming. Islam will now be looking to fight either Charles Oliviera or Justin Gaethje for his third title defense. On the other hand, Volk will be fighting against Ilia Topuria in January 2024.
Justin Gaethje and Henry Cejudo react to Islam Makhachev’s head-kick KO at UFC 294
Justin Gaethje was very impressed by the performance of Islam Makhachev. “Heck of a performance by Islam. I have a mountain to climb,” said Gaethje. ‘The Highlight’ believes that he is next in line for the title after his own head-kick knockout victory against Dustin Poirier.
Furthermore, Gaethje made his intentions clear with his next tweet by saying, “I’m next“. He is currently ranked no.2 in the lightweight division and if Charles Oliveira takes some time off due to his injury then he should be next to challenge Islam.
I’m next
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) October 21, 2023
‘Triple C’ Henry Cejudo was also very quick to react to Islam Makhachev’s performance at UFC 294. “Islam and Justin Gaethje both with the same head-kick KOs. Let’s see them fight next,” said the former double champion. Just like Gaethje, Cejudo also believes that the highlight is next in line for a title shot.
Henry Cejudo did a live watch party for UFC 294 along with his wife. He said that this loss could change Volkanovski and gave some advice to Ilia Topuria regarding Volk’s feints.
Islam and Justin Gaethje both with the same head kick KOs. Let’s see them fight next!! #UFC294 https://t.co/iWgX94XM5f
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) October 21, 2023
Islam Makhachev has also shown interest in fighting Leon Edwards to earn the double champ status. Do you think that Islam Makhachev can beat Leon Edwards? Let us know in the comments below.