UFC 294: MAKHACHEV VS VOLKANOVSKI 2 ODDS, PREDICTION AND FIGHT PREVIEW

At UFC 294, a colossal event set in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert, we find ourselves on the cusp of a mesmerizing spectacle. The highly anticipated championship rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira was the initial main event, offering a chance for Makhachev to defend his lightweight title. Their first meeting a year ago was electrifying, but fate had other plans. Oliveira had to withdraw due to a severe cut, leading to an unexpected twist in the narrative.

UFC 294 Prediction: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2

The world of mixed martial arts is set to witness an explosive showdown at UFC 294, hosted in the picturesque setting of Abu Dhabi, UAE. This event has been eagerly anticipated by fight fans globally, and while it originally promised a title rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira, fate had a different plan. Due to an unfortunate cut, Oliveira was forced to withdraw, which paved the way for a riveting change in the main event.

In a surprising turn of events, featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski agreed to step up on short notice to face Makhachev, creating a rematch for the ages. Makhachev had claimed the UFC lightweight title with a dominant second-round submission win over Oliveira the previous year. He had made it clear that he wanted to face Volkanovski, even agreeing to do so on the Australian’s home turf in Perth. The first fight between these two champions at UFC 284 earlier this year was hailed as one of the best of the year. Makhachev managed to retain his title, but it was far from a walk in the park. Volkanovski’s relentless pace and refusal to slow down had the lightweight champion hanging on for dear life as they battled it out.

While Makhachev has been patiently waiting for his next challenger since emerging victorious in February, the 35-year-old Volkanovski returned to his featherweight division in style, further solidifying his status as the best fighter in the division and a contender for the pound-for-pound best. The anticipation for this rematch is soaring, as Volkanovski has showcased an incredible ability to adapt between fights, while Makhachev now has firsthand experience of what he’ll face in this second encounter.

Volkanovski’s readiness to accept a fight of this magnitude with so much on the line on such short notice is a testament to his incredible work ethic and self-belief. Makhachev also deserves credit for welcoming a rematch with the talented featherweight kingpin under challenging circumstances. Both fighters exemplify true champions, and their first meeting at UFC 284 was nothing short of thrilling. The rematch at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi promises to deliver a similar level of excitement.

Odds: Islam Makhachev (-350) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (+205) 

Our Prediction for UFC 294 main event: While Alexander Volkanovski looked impressive in the first fight and many believe he won the fight, the rematch might go slightly differently than the last time around. We believe Makhachev will not make the mistakes he made last time and he would also be in a better fight shape than Volkanovski. That said, it would be hard to put Volkanovski away but expect Makhachev to score a dominant unanimous decision victory.

UFC 294 Co-Main Event prediction

In the co-main event, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman takes on the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. The anticipation for this fight reached new heights when Paulo Costa had to withdraw due to recent elbow surgery. Usman, who had been vocal about moving up in weight and his desire to face Chimaev, finds himself with an unexpected opportunity. He aims to rebound after two consecutive losses to current welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Chimaev, with an unblemished record of 12-0, has been lurking in the background of both the welterweight and middleweight title pictures. His five out of six UFC victories were stoppages, establishing him as a serious contender. This fight presents him with the most experienced and high-level opponent he has faced, and the short-notice aspect adds an extra layer of intrigue.

What makes this matchup even more fascinating is the recent announcement by UFC CEO Dana White. The winner of Usman vs. Chimaev will be next in line to challenge for the middleweight title, elevating the stakes for this blockbuster clash. Will Usman secure an immediate middleweight title shot, or will Chimaev continue his remarkable ascent and finally earn the title opportunity that fans and experts have been anticipating for the past few years?

The anticipation for UFC 294 is further fueled by the undercard battles, which are teeming with potential and promise. In the light heavyweight division, Magomed Ankalaev faces Johnny Walker, and this bout could potentially determine the next number one contender for the 205-pound weight class. Ankalaev returns to action for the first time since his split draw with Jan Blachowicz in December. Before the draw, he had accumulated nine consecutive wins and was on the cusp of a title shot. He aims to maintain his status as a possible title contender.

Walker, on the other hand, made a blazing entry into the UFC with three consecutive first-round stoppage victories. After a rough patch, he responded with three consecutive wins, the most recent being a unanimous decision victory over Anthony Smith. The intriguing aspect of this matchup lies in Walker’s ability to transform his style with each appearance while maintaining an aggressive and attacking approach. Ankalaev is known for his patience and precision but can be a menacing force once he gets the fight to the ground. With Jamahal Hill sidelined, and Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira set to compete for the vacant title next month, the winner of this fight could make a strong case for a title opportunity in the first half of 2024.

Another exciting bout on the card is between Ikram Aliskerov and Warlley Alves. Aliskerov, a Dana White’s Contender Series graduate, was initially set to face Nassourdine Imavov. He entered the UFC with a knockout win over Phil Hawes and is riding a six-fight winning streak. Alves, a 32-year-old Brazilian veteran, is making his middleweight debut since winning the TUF Brazil 3 tournament in 2014. While he had moments of success during his welterweight run, he couldn’t maintain consistent success to enter the rankings. Aliskerov, on the other hand, is seen as a possible future contender. This fight offers both fighters the opportunity to prove their capabilities and adapt to pre-fight changes.

The main card kicks off with a thrilling bantamweight battle between Said Nurmagomedov and Muin Gafurov. Nurmagomedov has been on the cusp of the top 15 in the 135-pound division, having broken into the rankings last year with a four-fight winning streak. He briefly fell out of the rankings following his loss to Jonathan Martinez but remains a dangerous prospect in the division. Gafurov, who faced a split decision loss on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021, returned with two wins under the LFA banner. His short-notice loss to John Castaneda showed his potential, and he seeks his first victory inside the Octagon in this battle. This matchup emphasizes the depth and talent of the bantamweight division, as both fighters have records and skills that would likely see them ranked in other weight classes.

The preliminary card features several exciting matchups as well. The flyweight division sees a grudge match between Tim Elliott and Muhammad Mokaev. Elliott, considered the elder statesman of the division, is in the best form of his UFC career, having won four of his last five fights. Mokaev, despite his ambition of breaking Jon Jones’ record as the youngest UFC champion, remains unbeaten and one of the top rising stars in the sport. Their matchup promises to be a scramble-filled, high-paced battle between two ranked talents.

The lightweight division showcases a fight between Mohmmad Yahya and Trevor Peek. Yahya, a newcomer with a 12-3 record, has won five consecutive fights in the UAE Warriors promotion. Peek, an experienced fighter with a record of 12-8, made his UFC debut with a submission victory in November 2021. This bout offers an opportunity for both fighters to secure a spot in the competitive lightweight division.

The middleweight division presents a matchup between Sharabutdin Magomedov and Bruno Silva. Magomedov, a newcomer to the UFC, boasts an impressive record of 5-0 and is known for his knockout power. Silva, on the other hand, has been a consistent fighter in the middleweight division. His knockout victory over Andrew Sanchez at UFC 275 demonstrated his striking prowess. Both fighters aim to make a statement in a division filled with talented contenders.

The lightweight division features an intriguing bout between Mike Breeden and Anshul Jubli. Breeden, a seasoned fighter with a 9-3 record, made his UFC debut in 2021 but has yet to secure his first victory in the organization. Jubli, a promising newcomer, has amassed a 7-1 record and seeks to make a strong impression in his UFC debut. This fight could be a turning point for both fighters in a highly competitive lightweight division.

The preliminary card also includes the long-awaited battle between Abu Azaitar and Sedriques Dumas. Originally scheduled for March, this welterweight clash was postponed but has remained highly anticipated. Azaitar, a German-Moroccan fighter, is known for his striking power and aggressive fighting style. Dumas, an experienced fighter with a 10-4 record, aims to make his mark in the UFC with a victory over Azaitar. The extended buildup to this matchup adds an extra layer of excitement to the preliminary card.

As the event draws closer and the fighters make their final preparations, the anticipation for UFC 294 continues to rise. The main event, featuring the lightweight title rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, promises to be a captivating battle between two champions with contrasting styles and an eagerness to prove their superiority. In the co-main event, Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev aim to solidify their positions in the middleweight division and potentially secure a title shot.

The undercard is filled with exciting matchups, highlighting the depth and talent in various weight classes. The light heavyweight bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker, the middleweight showdown between Ikram Aliskerov and Warlley Alves, and the bantamweight battle between Said Nurmagomedov and Muin Gafurov all promise thrilling action.

In the preliminary card, the flyweight grudge match between Tim Elliott and Muhammad Mokaev, the lightweight bout between Mohammad Yahya and Trevor Peek, the middleweight clash between Sharabutdin Magomedov and Bruno Silva, and the lightweight matchup between Mike Breeden and Anshul Jubli add further excitement to the event. Additionally, the long-awaited battle between Abu Azaitar and Sedriques Dumas is expected to deliver an intense showdown.

UFC 294 Main Card Odds

• Islam Makhachev (-350) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (+205) – for lightweight title
• Khamzat Chimaev (-250) vs. Kamaru Usman (+200)
• Magomed Ankalaev (-350) vs. Johnny Walker (+275)
• Ikram Aliskerov (-470) vs. Warlley Alves (+360)
• Muin Gafurov (+180) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (-220)

UFC 294 Preliminary Card

• Tim Elliott (+370) vs. Muhammad Mokaev (-485)
• Trevor Peek (-125) vs. Mohammad Yahya (+105)
• Javid Basharat (-425) vs. Victor Henry (+330)
• Abu Azaitar (+145) vs. Sedriques Dumas (-175)
• Mike Breeden (+320) vs. Anshul Jubli (-410)
• Muhammad Naimov (+245) vs. Nathaniel Wood (-305)
• Victoria Dudakova (-395) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (+310)
• Shara Magomedov (-205) vs. Bruno Silva (+170)

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