Islam Makhachev will look to defend his UFC lightweight belt against former opponent Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 this weekend.
The 31-year-old initially faced the Australian earlier this year and defended his title via unanimous decision against ‘The Great’ last time out.
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Makhachev emerged victorious in the last bout between these twoCredit: Getty
The Russian boasts a 24-1-0 record and will look to successfully defend his title for the second time.
But Volkanovski wants revenge and wants to add the lightweight belt to his featherweight one.
Makhachev was meant to face Brazilian Charles Oliveira, but he has pulled out due to a cut above his right eye.
Also on the card in Abu Dhabi, Kamaru Usman has been confirmed to fight Khamzat Chimaev after Paulo Costa was also sidelined through injury.
Usman will now move up to middleweight in his first bout since losing back-to-back title fights to Leon Edwards.
UFC 294: Date and how to follow
UFC 294 will take place on Saturday, October 21 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The action is set to get underway at 7pm UK time, with the main even expected at around 11pm.
The prelims are set to be broadcast live on the UFC Fight Pass and fans can sign up to the pass here.
And then the main card will be shown live on TNT Sports in the UK. Full details on how to watch the event can be found here.
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Volkanovski will be out for revengeCredit: Getty
UFC 294: Fight card
Subject to change
Main card
MAIN EVENT: Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski – for UFC lightweight title
Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev – UFC middleweight title eliminator
Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves
Said Nurmagomedov vs Muin Gafurov
Preliminary card
Tim Elliott vs Muhammad Mokaev
Mohammad Yahya vs Trevor Peek
Javid Basharat vs Victor Henry
Abu Azaitar vs Sedriques Dumas
Mike Breeden vs Anshul Jubli
Nathaniel Wood vs Muhammad Naimov
Victoria Dudakova vs Jinh Yu Frey
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Bruno Silva
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Chimaev is also in action on a great cardCredit: Getty
UFC 294: What has been said?
Dana White is gutted that Oliveira can’t take part in this huge fight, but he’s delighted that Volkanovski has stepped in.
He said: “The Volkanovski crew, him and Israel [Adesanya], these guys are absolute studs, man.
“This is how we do it, brother.
“One fight falls out and we end up making a fight – it’s one of the most anticipated rematches ever in that weight class.”
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Usman was a dominant champion at welterweight before he was beaten by EdwardsCredit: Getty
White was also keen to share his excitement at Usman returning to the Octagon having previously held the welterweight belt for three years between 2019 and 2022.
He added: “You know what we’ve been dealing with. We just got the big fight done, the highly anticipated rematch in Abu Dhabi: Makhachev vs Volkanovski.
“Now you’ve been waiting for the co-main event. Costa’s hurt… we got it done.
“The No. 4 welterweight in the world, Khamzat Chimaev, is moving up to middleweight and he will face the No. 1 welterweight in the world: Kamaru Usman.”
UFC 294: Volkanovski/Makhachev II Betting Odds
Volkanovski – 15/8
Makhachev – 2/5
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