MMA Preview – Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski 2 at UFC 294
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ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI FACTS
When is UFC 294? Saturday 21st October, 2023 - 17:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 294? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 294? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 294
What channel is UFC 294 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC 294? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI LOWDOWN
Islam Makhachev (24-1) was preparing for a rematch against one of the most dangerous fighters on the roster. However, Charles Oliveira had to pull out after suffering a gash in training which has led to a rematch many fans are more excited about. The champ had barely been tested since his knockout loss to Adriano Martins (2015), but Alexander Volkanovski (2023) took him to the wire. Despite losing a unanimous decision, the Aussie finished the stronger man. Nonetheless, that title defence and his submission over Oliveira to become the champion has solidified his place at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
Alexander Volkanovski (26-2) is as game as it gets. This rematch was always going to be his biggest opportunity, so to take it on short notice deserves a ton of credit. After getting written off before their fight for being too small, he proved he has the power, skill and cardio to make a serious challenge for the title again. In true Volkanovski fashion, he has already made a title defence since that narrow loss, taking on Yair Rodriguez five months later. The Mexican presented a very tough challenge, which he overcame with a clinical third-round TKO.
ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI PREDICTION
In their first fight, Volkanovski immediately proved that he could not be pushed around in the grappling exchanges and even defended five out of the nine takedown attempts. On the feet, his speed and striking advantage was plain to see landing 70 significant strikes to Makhachev’s 57 and his cardio allowed him to finish stronger.
This will all give Volkanovski more confidence and believe that the champion can be toppled. However, Makhachev also knows what to expect and there is no chance of complacency.
He underestimated his strength and takedown defence first time around. We expect him to be more patient in his attempts to conserve his energy as Volkanovski’s cardio is off the charts. The champ’s striking is getting the recognition it deserves now and it continues to improve so we expect the champ to back his striking for longer portions of the fight and time his takedowns at the right moment.
Volkanovski knows this will be his last chance to win the belt off the Russian. He can get it done by defending the early takedowns and winning three rounds with his output, but he has to be careful opening up as we can see Makhachev hurting him on the feet.
We must also remember Makhachev has had a full training camp preparing for Oliveira’s jiu-jitsu and his wrestling and top control will be watertight. We can see him pacing himself, happy to strike and once he lands the takedown, he will not give up any position.
There is always value on Volkanovski as such a big underdog, but we are backing Makhachev.
Prediction: Makhachev via Decision
Value bet: Volkanovski to win
