UFC 294 saw a dramatic conclusion in the main event where Islam Mhakachev and Alexander Volkanovski put on a show!
The main event of UFC 294 was plunged into uncertainty when Charles Oliveira pulled out due to injury. Up sprung an opportunity for the featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Having fought already this year in an incredibly tight bout, Alexander met Islam Makhachev for a highly anticipated rematch. Islam hasn’t fought since the first fight, whereas Volk is coming off a win against Yair Rodriguez in July.
Islam is currently the lightweight champion after beating Charles Oliveira convincingly this time last year in Abu Dhabi. The Dagestani is currently on a 12-fight win streak and looking for his second title defence. This fight has been put together on 12 days’ notice for both fighters and thus an extra layer to this already intriguing bout.
Islam Makhachev Finishes Volkanovski
Round 1: Islam started well with good leg kicks and looking to establish his feints, he reached in for the first takedown which Volk held onto and the pair wrestled against the cage. Islam landed a few good knees in the clinch and Volkanovski held on. Then back to the feet Islam worked Volkanovski with his kicks before landing a huge head kick which dropped Alex, leading to Islam finishing the fight by ground and pound.
Similar to other fighters Islam, sends out messages of support towards those suffering in the world. He also mentioned how he had set up the high kick with coach Javier Mendez.
This win now puts Islam Makhachev at 2 title defences of the lightweight belt. The win also extends his winning streak to an incredibly impressive 13, he’s now one defence away from equalling Khabib Nurmagomedov. In the running for the belt next is of course Charles Oliveira, who withdrew from this fight with a nasty cut above his eye. Equally in with the next shot is the BMF Justin Gaethje, who beat Dustin Poirier through an incredible headkick earlier this year.
Official result: Islam Makhachev knocks out Alexander Volkanobski in the first round by head kick to ground strikes.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
