Islam Makhachev silenced all doubts in his feud with featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski in Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2 results. At UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, Makhachev secured a stunning victory in the first round, with a powerful head kick and ground-and-pound.
This clash was initially meant to feature Makhachev against Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title, but when Oliveira suffered an injury in training, Volkanovski took the fight on short notice. Makhachev dominated from the start and didn’t even need his signature wrestling skills to defeat the formidable featherweight champion.
Volkanovski had aspired to become one of the few fighters to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously, believing he deserved the decision in their previous bout at UFC 284. In the rematch, Makhachev’s all-around abilities shone, sealing his supremacy.
All of New Zealand 🇳🇿 in round 1.#UFC294 pic.twitter.com/B2RZi5iCGB
— Hotep Davei 𝕏 (@Davei_Boi) October 23, 2023
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev extended Kamaru Usman’s losing streak. Usman, a respected UFC fighter, couldn’t find an answer to Chimaev’s prowess in their middleweight bout. Chimaev secured a majority decision win, with scores of 29-27, 29-27 & 28-28.
In the opening round, he controlled Usman. Chimaev’s well-rounded skills allowed him to dominate, with notable takedowns and striking. Usman won the second round with his striking but couldn’t gain momentum. Chimaev displayed more patience, maintaining control and securing the win in the third round with his wrestling. His victory was a testament to his potential and set the stage for a championship opportunity.
Khamzat Chimaev takes the majority decision!!
He leaves #UFC294 with the victory over Kamaru Usman at #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/EjxZT6XiBA
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
The light heavyweight bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker began with great promise but ended in controversy. After a dynamic start, with both fighters showcasing their skills, Ankalaev threw an illegal knee while Walker was a downed opponent. This blow led to a pause in the fight, during which the ringside physician determined that Walker couldn’t continue.
Disappointing end to this one.
Ankalaev vs Walker is ruled a No Contest after the ref calls a stop due to an unintentional foul. #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/OmDxbc2W1x
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
Ikram Aliskerov demonstrated his potential as a middleweight contender with a remarkable victory over Warlley Alves at UFC 294. Aliskerov’s striking overwhelmed Alves, and he secured a TKO victory in the second round.
Said Nurmagomedov showcased his guillotine skills, finishing Muin Gafurov in just 73 seconds in the main card opener at UFC 294. Nurmagomedov displayed his submission mastery, adding another impressive victory to his record.
UFC 294 was a night of memorable moments, with three major fights that delivered excitement and drama. Makhachev, Chimaev, and Aliskerov all emerged victorious, further cementing their status as rising stars in the UFC.
UFC 294 Results
Main Card Results
- Islam Makhachev KO Alexander Volkanovski to retain the UFC lightweight title: 1st round knockout at 3:06 (head kick & punches)
- Khamzat Chimaev defeats Kamaru Usman via majority decision (29-27, 29-27 & 28-28)
- Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker: No Contest (3:13)
- Ikram Aliskerov TKO Warlley Alves: 1st round TKO at 2:07 (flying knee, punches)
- Said Nurmagomedov submits Muin Gafurov: 1st round submission at 1:13 via guillotine choke
Prelims Results
- Muhammad Mokaev submits Tim Elliott: 3rd round submission at 3:03 via arm triangle
- Trevor Peek defeats Mohammad Yahya via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27 & 30-27)
- Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry: No Contest
- Sedriques Dumas defeats Abu Azaitar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28 & 29-28)
- Mike Breeden KO Anshul Jubli: 3rd round KO at 3:00 via punch
- Muhammad Naimov defeats Nathaniel Wood via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28 & 29-28)
- Victoria Dudakova defeats Jinh Yu Frey via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28 & 29-28)
- Sharabutdin Magomedov defeats Bruno Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27 & 30-27)
Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski
In the showdown between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, the opening moments had both fighters cautiously circling the cage, seeking an advantageous entry point. The initial significant strike came from Volkanovski, who delivered a precise leg kick. Makhachev, in response, unleashed a series of punches. Volkanovski persisted in targeting Makhachev’s legs with additional kicks, while Makhachev maintained his forward pressure.
A pivotal moment arrived when Volkanovski executed a well-timed counterpunch, sending Makhachev to the canvas. In a display of resilience, Makhachev swiftly regained his footing and clinched with Volkanovski. During the clinch, Volkanovski managed to land a sequence of knee strikes to Makhachev’s midsection before disengaging.
Islam Makhachev is the best fighter in the world #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/8v0eeuSIVD
— igor🇺🇦 (@ukraniandream) October 21, 2023
However, Makhachev turned the tide with a powerful right hand that visibly rocked Volkanovski. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Makhachev unleashed a relentless barrage of punches, culminating in a head kick that sent Volkanovski sprawling to the canvas. Makhachev capitalized on the opening and concluded the contest with a series of ground-and-pound strikes.
This high-stakes encounter unfolded rapidly, underscoring Makhachev’s commanding blend of power and grappling proficiency. While Volkanovski is renowned for his resilience and durability, this particular showdown revealed a significant mismatch as Makhachev emerged triumphant.
Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev
In the Usman versus Chimaev clash, the opening round showcased Chimaev’s dominance. With a swift takedown early on, he seized Usman’s back, presenting a constant threat with a rear-naked choke while intermittently delivering punishing face shots throughout the round. Usman, a seasoned veteran and future Hall-of-Famer, exhibited remarkable resilience in withstanding this relentless assault. In a desperate attempt, he sought to dislodge Chimaev by attempting to slam him on his head, but his efforts proved futile. Chimaev’s level of control was evident, earning him unanimous 10-8 scores in the first round from the judges.
Caption this LOL! I filmed this during the fight! @KChimaev #ufc294 #ufc @ufc pic.twitter.com/LV1WW5Nw21
— Nina-Marie Daniele (@ninamdrama) October 22, 2023
As the second round unfolded, the dynamics of the fight took a different turn. Usman opted to keep the contest upright and adopt a more measured tempo. He showcased his striking prowess, connecting with precise jabs and powerful strikes that found their mark on Chimaev. However, late in the round, Chimaev secured a crucial takedown, prompting the judges, including Paolillo, to lean in favor of Chimaev for the round.
In the third and final round, Usman continued to refine his performance. Though he was taken down once more, he quickly regained his footing. The fight culminated in an exhilarating exchange of potent strikes between the two combatants. Nevertheless, Chimaev’s late takedown and control influenced Cleary’s decision to award the final round to Chimaev.
Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker
Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker experienced disappointment in Abu Dhabi as their UFC 294 bout ended in a bizarre no contest. What began as an exciting contest came to an abrupt halt when Ankalaev executed an unintentional knee strike, striking Walker in the head while he was grounded after securing a takedown. The referee swiftly paused the action to provide Walker with an opportunity to recover.
The ringside physician was called in to assess Walker’s condition, posing various questions, including inquiring about his location, to which Walker did not immediately respond. The referee subsequently sought the doctor’s opinion on Walker’s ability to continue.
“He’s not fit to continue,” the doctor informed the referee.
Immediate rematch? #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/lRghRZW07o
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
In an instant, the referee waved off the fight, but Walker remained oblivious to his night being over, stomping around the octagon in frustration. Security personnel rushed into the octagon to prevent an explosive confrontation, as both Ankalaev and Walker were eager to confront each other. It took the intervention of UFC CEO Dana White, who entered the cage, to restore order and calm the heated fighters.
The end result was a no contest, attributed to an unintentional knee strike, with the bout concluding after just 3 minutes and 13 seconds in the opening round. It was an unexpected conclusion to a match that had initially promised excitement, leaving questions about the UFC’s course of action following this unconventional ending to what was anticipated to be a significant light heavyweight division showdown.
Ikram Aliskerov vs Warlley Alves
Ikram Aliskerov asserted his dominance in a decisive manner, living up to his status as the biggest betting favorite of the night at UFC 294. His performance in the middleweight bout against Warlley Alves on the main card at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi showcased his skill and finishing ability.
Aliskerov, with a record of 15-1 in MMA and a UFC standing of 2-0, wasted no time in making his presence felt. He initiated his assault by targeting Alves’ body with well-executed teeps. In response, Alves retaliated with a series of powerful leg kicks. However, Aliskerov’s precision and aggression soon became evident.
IKRAM ALISKEROV DID IT AGAIN 😱
Two first round knockouts to kick off his UFC career! #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/lTxr0qyEeO
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
A jab from Aliskerov staggered Alves, prompting Aliskerov to increase the pressure. With remarkable timing, he delivered a head kick, setting the stage for a spectacular flying knee that landed perfectly on target. Aliskerov capitalized on this with a relentless flurry of punches, sealing the finish at the 2:07 mark of the first round.
This victory marked Aliskerov’s seventh consecutive win, with his sole loss on record against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev back in 2019. On the flip side, Warlley Alves experienced his third consecutive loss, a first in his professional career, emphasizing the significance of Aliskerov’s impressive performance.
Said Nurmagomedov vs Muin Gafurov
The main card opener of UFC 294 got off to an electrifying start with Said Nurmagomedov taking on Muin Gafurov. Fans in attendance at the Ethihad Arena in Abu Dhabi were in for a thrilling matchup that didn’t last long, as Nurmagomedov, boasting a record of 18-3 in MMA and 7-2 in the UFC, made a quick and emphatic statement.
Nurmagomedov, a bantamweight contender, wasted no time in showcasing his striking skills. He utilized swift leg and head kicks to keep Gafurov (18-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC) on the defensive right from the outset. The fight’s first takedown attempt proved to be the final exchange, as Nurmagomedov expertly applied a guillotine choke that left Gafurov with no means of escape.
SAID NURMAGOMEDOV IN JUST OVER A MINUTE 🤯
Guillotine gets the tap to open the #UFC294 main card! pic.twitter.com/rdtAxNpOd6
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
The outcome was a submission victory for Nurmagomedov, with the fight ending at just 1:13 into the first round. This win allowed him to rebound from a previous unanimous decision loss to Jonathan Martinez, erasing that memory with an impressive display. Before that setback, Nurmagomedov had been on a four-fight winning streak, including two guillotine submissions and one TKO finish.
For Gafurov, it marked his second consecutive loss in the UFC as he continues to find his footing in the promotion. Hailing from Tajikistan, Gafurov’s journey into the UFC followed two victories in LFA in 2022, leading up to his UFC debut in June.
Conclusion
UFC 294 will be remembered as a night of thrilling and dramatic showdowns that had fans on the edge of their seats. Islam Makhachev’s stunning first-round TKO over featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski sent shockwaves through the MMA world, affirming his dominance. In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev displayed his prowess by extending Kamaru Usman’s losing streak, positioning himself for a title shot. However, the card wasn’t without controversy, as Magomed Ankalaev’s bout with Johnny Walker ended abruptly due to an illegal knee, leaving fans with lingering questions.
These 4️⃣ showed up and SHOWED OUT tonight 🤯
They leave with the POTN bonuses 💰#UFC294
[ B2YB @PrimeHydrate ] pic.twitter.com/Euqq3QHBgQ
— UFC (@ufc) October 21, 2023
The main card also featured Ikram Aliskerov’s explosive victory and Said Nurmagomedov’s lightning-fast submission win, solidifying their positions as rising stars. UFC 294 showcased electrifying moments, leaving a lasting impression and setting the stage for the next chapter in the world of mixed martial arts. The night was a rollercoaster of emotions, from jaw-dropping knockouts to unexpected endings, proving once again that the UFC delivers unforgettable action for fight enthusiasts worldwide.