UFC 294 — Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski: Results, highlights, fight card, winners, complete guide
Makhachev silenced any lingering doubts about his first win over Volkanovski with a brutal finish in Abu Dhabi
UFC 294 is a wrap from Abu Dhabi that delivered in a variety of ways. This event had it all, from strange fouls throughout the night to violent finishes. In the end, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev retained his title after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in the first round with a vicious head kick.
Makhachev, who was supposed to fight Charles Oliveira until an injury in training camp forced him to withdraw, remained composed throughout the fight, controlling Volkanovski with his clinch and low kicks before deciding to go high and landing the perfect spot.
It’s unclear who Makhachev will face next, but he doesn’t care. After the fight, he told UFC president Dana White that all he wants is to face someone. Volkanovski, who still holds the featherweight title, echoed that sentiment, hoping for a quick recovery once the cuts were healed.
Khamzat Chimaev appears to have stamped his ticket to a middleweight title shot with a majority decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Chimaev sprinted out of the gate and nearly locked in a rear naked choke before Usman was able to shake him off his back briefly. Usman did rally in the second round and appeared to be doing well in the striking game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the opening frame’s 10-8 scorecards.
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UFC 294 Fight Card, Results
At UFC 294, the octagon was ablaze with exhilarating matchups and unexpected outcomes. The reigning champion, Islam Makhachev, delivered a scorching performance, securing victory with a head-kick followed by a series of powerful punches to retain his title against Alexander Volkanovski in the very first round.
In another thrilling encounter, Khamzat Chimaev displayed his mettle by edging out the formidable Kamaru Usman through a majority decision, with scores of 29-27, 29-27, and 28-28, proving his worth in the welterweight division.
However, the event was not without its share of controversies. The bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker ended in a no contest due to an unintentional foul, leaving fans in suspense.
Ikram Aliskerov made a statement by securing a first-round TKO victory with a devastating knee and a flurry of punches against Warlley Alves. Said Nurmagomedov showcased his grappling prowess, clinching victory with a first-round submission via guillotine choke against Muin Gafurov.
Muhammad Mokaev displayed his resilience, eventually submitting Tim Elliot with an arm triangle choke in the third round. Trevor Peek’s strategic acumen earned him a unanimous decision victory over Mohammad Yahya with scores of 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27.
Javid Basharat and Victor Henry’s clash came to an abrupt halt with a no contest ruling, owing to an accidental groin strike. Sedriques Dumas impressed the judges with his performance, securing a unanimous decision win over Abu Azaitar with scores of 29-28 across the board.
In a gripping showdown, Mike Breeden orchestrated a spectacular third-round knockout with a single punch, sealing his victory against Anshul Jubli. Muhammad Naimov exhibited his prowess, earning a unanimous decision win over Nathaniel Wood with scores of 29-28 from all judges.
Viktoriia Dudakova and Jinh Yu Frey engaged in a fierce battle, with Dudakova emerging victorious via unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28. Shara Magomedov outperformed Bruno Silva, securing a unanimous decision win with a clean sweep of 30-27 from all three judges. UFC 294 truly delivered an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action, with each fight leaving its own unique mark on the event.
