ABU DHABI – UFC 294 took place Saturday, and you can check out play-by-play and official results right here.
UFC 294 took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN+.
In the main event, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) met featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC), who failed to become a two-division titleholder. Volkanovski stepped up on short notice when Charles Oliveira pulled out. He lost to Makhachev in the UFC 284 main event earlier this year in Australia.
In the co-feature, Khamzat Chimaev (12-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) took on former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (20-3 MMA, 15-2 UFC), who moved up to 185 for the first time – and on short notice after Paulo Costa pulled out with a staph infection.
Check out our round-by-round updates and official results for the prelims and main card below. You also can get behind-the-scenes coverage and other event notes from on-site reporters Mike Bohn (@MikeBohn) and Farah Hannoun (@Farah_Hannoun) on X (formerly Twitter).
Shara Magomedov vs. Bruno Silva
Round 1 – Silva lands the first nice combo of the fight about 1:20 in, but it’s been a slow start so far. Magomedov responds moments later by throwing a high kick that clips and stumbles Silva backward. A flying knee just misses from Mahomedov. With 1:26 left, the action stops after a kick to the groin from Magomedov, who actually landed a question mark kick followup before Herzog intervened. The action restarts after just a minute or so, and Magomedov is busy throwing kicks. Both guys land simultaneous left hooks. In the final seconds, things heat up as they stand and trade with each other. Some hard punches landed by each guy. We’ll see if the pace continues in Round 2! 10-9 Magomedov to begin.
Round 2 – These guys have come out throwing hard leather, and Magomedov is definitely finding success. You can see him slowing down. With about 2:30 remaining, Silva goes for a takedown and secures it, and now it gets real interesting as Magomedov is striking and landing from his back. Silva isn’t to be outdone, though, with his ground-and-pound, which has opened up a cut. Magomedov throws upkicks and a wild swinging kick from the mat as Silva stands up to separate. Great action in this round, which still should go to Magomedov 10-9 even with the takedown.
Round 3 – Silva perfectly times a takedown as Magomedov throws a kick, and we’re down to the mat just 20 seconds in. It’ll be interesting to see if Magomedov stays here like he did in the last round. Silva is in his guard, but he’s not just resting. Magoedov seems content to strike off his back rather than try to get up. He does get some separation, but he throws wild upkicks rather than stand, which does nothing to Silva, who is back on him and busy. Finally Magomedov works up to his feet by riding against the cage, and he’s busy throwing punches. Silva plays possum and covers before exploding for another takedown, and we’re back to the mat. Silva isn’t as active as before, but he’ll still throwing punches. Magomedov is also throwing from his back as he has been each time he’s been here. Magomedov is relentless with hammerfists with about 30 seconds left. Magomedov gets back to his feet when Silva allows it, some final strikes from Magomedov to close out the fight. Another takedown, but Magomedov was ACTIVE from the bottom, so we’ll go 10-9 in his favor. 30-27 Magomedov is our score.
Result: Shara Magomedov def. Bruno Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Shara Magomedov def. Bruno Silva at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Magomedov (12-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Silva (23-10 MMA, 4-4 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Victoria Dudakova vs. Jinh Yu Frey
Round 1 – Pretty slow start in the first two minutes until Dudakova closes distance near the cage, but she gives up pretty quickly on trying to take down Frey from the clinch. Good combo from Frey, but moments later we have a clash of heads. Frey looks dazed as the referee calls timeout. When the action restarts, Dudakova throws a head kick that’s blocked. Dudakova stuffs a takedown attempt and lands some good knees in the clinch. Biggest moment of the fight happens just before the bell rings when Dudakova knocks down Frey with a straight left. It was a competitive round otherwise, but 10-9 Dudakova.
Round 2 – Frey immediately scores a takedown 20 seconds in, which is what her cornered asked for during the break, and now she’s in control. Frey eventually works to side control, not sure what she’s looking for yet, but nothing comes of it. She’s back in full guard, and things get a little frantic for a moment that forces Frey to stand as Dudakova throws upkicks. But Frey does a great job not to lose control and even lands a nice left hook that sits Dudakova back down. Frey is back on top and staves off a triangle/armbar attempt, and now they’re back up on the feet with 45 second left. Dudakova might be able to steal the round, but not much doing to close it out. 10-9 Frey.
Round 3 – Dudakova has come out with a measured attack in the third, mixing kicks and punches. Both women don’t appear to be fading. Frey lands a nice left hook during a quick exchange with about three minutes left. Neither woman seems willing to commit completely to attacking, but Dudakova is having more success with her stick-and-move. As Dudakova comes in for a hook, Frey latches on to her and they clinch near the cage with about one minute left. Can she make something happen? The answer is no. This should be 10-9 Dudakova. We’ve got her winning the fight 29-28.
Result: Victoria Dudakova def. Jinh Yu Frey via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Viktoriia Dudakova def. Jinh Yu Frey at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Dudakova (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Frey (11-10 MMA, 2-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight (Dudakova missed weight)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Muhammad Naimov vs. Nathaniel Wood
Round 1 – They trade leg kicks to start, but Wood’s are harder. Then as they trade, Naimov lands a combo that drops Wood! Wood recovers and clinches as Naimov comes in. Nice inside trip by Naimov to get the fight to the mat, and he’s in control up against the fence. Naimov is being aggressive with hammerfists, too. Wood finally manages to sit on his but, but he’s still trapped. With about 2:20 remaining, Wood is back to his feet with Naimov still latched on in the clinch. Naimov lands a hard knee to the groin, and the action stops with 1:46 remaining. Wood has five minutes to recover. He only uses 90 seconds, and they meet back in the middle to restart. Wood lands two hard inside leg kicks and then follows up with a hard straight right hand that staggers Naimov, who would’ve been dropped if not for the fence. Naimov stays close in the clinch, and they drop to the mat where Wood tries for a Kimura but loses it. They finish the round clinched. Interesting round to score given both big moments, but we’ll go 10-9 Naimov since he also had more control.
Round 2 – All right, well, Naimov throws a kick to the groin in the opening seconds, and we’re waiting again. This might result in a point deduction, let’s see. NOPE. Just a warning. They continue and clinch, and Wood nicely trips Naimov, who gets back to his feet, but Wood circles to take his back. Now Wood is trying to drag him down, and Naimov grabs the fence, but only a warning from the referee. Somehow Naimov turns into Wood and HE gets the takedown and is on top of Wood. He’s in Wood’s guard trying to advance his position, but nothing doing with about 1:45 left. Naimov not all that active with striking from up top, but he is in control. Wood works himself to a standing position with 1:15 left and as Naimov tries to take him down again, Wood goes for a Kimura but nothing comes of it. Naimov remains in control with 30 seconds left and finishes that way. 10-9 Naimov from us.
Round 3 – These guys are trading significant strikes through the first half of the round, making it pretty even. But that changes with about 2:30 left when Naimov shoots and gets a takedown. Now the dynamics of this round are different, but Wood is back on his feet. Naimov won’t let go of the clinch, though. Wood uses a guillotine attempt to separate from Naimov, and now Wood lands a hard right hand followed by another one. Wood needs to keep throwing. Naimov is in survival mode right now in the final minute. Violent finishing sequence for Wood to close out the round and win it 10-9. We’ve got Naimov winning the fight 29-28, though.
Result: Muhammad Naimov def. Nathaniel Wood via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos:
Records: Naimov (10-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Wood (19-6 MMA, 7-3 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Mike Breeden vs. Anshul Jubli
Round 1 – Breeden comes out throwing leg kicks, but he also eats a short uppercut from Jubli early. A couple of exchanges so far early on where both men are just missing. Jubli clips Breeden behind the ear and has him a little wobbly, but Breeden recovers OK. The tide appears to be in Jubli’s favor now. Jubli has thrown a right hand to the body but gets countered by a left hook in the way out. He keeps working the body. Nice three-punch combo from Jubli gets Breeden’s attention with about 1:40 left. Jubli catches Breeden with a knee, but then Breeded gets a straight right hand through. Jubli finishes strong with some crisp striking. This was a good round for Jubli, who takes it 10-9.
Round 2 – Big right hand in the opening 10 seconds curls and backs up Breeden. Jubli tries to finish with strikes, but a good recovery from Breeden. Breden is bleeding from above his right eye. Jubli almost knocks out Breeden’s mouthpiece on a left hook. They both trade hard punches with about 3:30 left. It’s been an outstanding striking display halfway through the round, but Breeden is tough as nails. He’s still a threat with his hard punches. Gotta give Breeden credit for going to war with Jubli. He keeps firing back every time he gets hit. Breeden has skin flapping from his right eye, according to the broadcast. Gross! Jubli outclassed Breeden in this round to take it 10-9.
Round 3 – Breeden lands two hard right hands in the first 30 seconds. He just won’t go away! Now he’s yelling at Jubli, who lazily throws a takedown attempt. Breeden might be in Jubli’s head right now. Breeden keeps clipping Jubli with right hands, and he looks like he doesn’t know what to do. Breeden is FEELING HIMSELF in this round, barking and marching down Jubli, who has no answers. And WOW, Breeden knocks him out with a right hand! What a rally from Mike Breeden!
Result: Mike Breeden def. Anshul Jubli via knockout (punch) – Round 3, 3:00
Recap: UFC 294 video: Mike Breeden rallies to knock out Anshul Jubli for first octagon win
Photos: Mike Breeden def. Anshul Jubli at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Breeden (11-6 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Jubli (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight (Breeden missed weight)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Abu Azaitar vs. Sedriques Dumas
Round 1 – Azaitar strikes big ist by knocking down Sumas with a straight right as he closes distance. Dumas scrambles and recovers nicely, though, and scores a takedown. Now Dumas is on top just like that. Dumas is active but not inflicting much damage as Azaitar also tries to attack from his back. Herzog is telling them something as the broadcast acknowledges Azaitar holding Dumas’ hair. Azaitar hasn’t really tried to stand up at all, and now he gets a warning for hitting the back of the head. Dumas controls him for just about four-and-a-half minutes and easily wins the round 10-9.
Round 2 – Simultaneous leg kicks land in the opening seconds. Azaitar is the first to close distance and lands a nice two punches, but Dumas responds with a combo of his own. Things have settled down for the next 90 seconds or so, but Dumas lands a nice jab. Azaitar with a nice counter right, and he also closes distance again with a combo attack. He keeps throwing heavy every time. The longer this fight stays on the feet, the more it plays into Azaitar’s favor. He is the more active striker in this round. Azaitar knocks down Dumas when he catches a kick, nice scramble to get back up, but that’s a good moment for Azaitar. He wins it 10-9, so it’s 19-19 going into Round 3 for us.
Round 3 – Dumas is still hesitant in the first 90 seconds of this round. Weird moment finally when Azaitar grabs the hair and punches, which stops things momentarily. He is warned by Herzog. When they restart, nice, stiff jab by Dumas briefly staggers Azaitar. A couple of nice kicks to the body by Azaitar, but Dumas with another nice jab, which has found a home this round. It’s anyone’s round with a minute left, and Azaitar lands a nice body shot. Dumas just continues to be hesitant, no urgency. He could be beating himself. Really hard round to score, but we’re going 10-9 Azaitar and awarding him the fight 29-28.
Result: Sedriques Dumas def. Abu Azaitar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: Sedriques Dumas def. Abu Azaitar at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Azaitar (14-3-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC), Dumas (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry
Round 1 – Both guys are being calculated with their striking in the early going. They’re fighting each other sharp and crisp. After nearly three minutes, Basharat catches a kick and takes down Henry. Good work from him, though, to stand right back up and stay upright, but now Basharat is trying for a single. Nothing happens, good defense from Henry. Anyone’s round with a minute left. Nice spinning back kick to the body from Basharat. Henry keeps attacking legs. Both of them have landed a fair number of them this round. Close round, we’ll go 10-9 Basharat.
Round 2 – Basharat lands a HARD groin kick that immediately sent Henry to the canvas, and he is writing in pain. This doesn’t look good as Henry just has his face dug into the mat and is screeching. After two minutes, the doctor comes in and tells Henry that the kick DIDN’T hit his testicles. Henry has made it seem this entire time like he is in IMMENSE pain. He took the entire five minutes and will not continue. Fight is over.
Result: Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry declared no contest (unintentional illegal kick)
Recap: UFC 294 video: Victor Henry screams and writhes after foul, tells dubious doctor ‘it was all d*ck and balls’
Photos: Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry no contest at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Basharat (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC), Henry (23-6 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Trevor Peek vs. Mohammad Yahya
Round 1 – Peek comes out measured but then blitzes in with a right hand and scores a knockdown. Yahya recovers, clinches near the cage, but Peek drags him down. They clinch near the cage. Good opening 90 seconds for Peek. Interesting way this round unfolded with the tide turning in Yahya’s favor as he locked in a tight choke for the final 30 seconds or so, but Peek made it to the end. 10-9 Peek for his overall work.
Round 2 – Peek is throwing heavy in the first minute of this round. But Peek is also being calculated, which is different for him. Peek tags Yahya with a left as he charges in. It’s been one short flurry-and-out for Peek. Yahya partially lands a leg kick. Peek throws a low kick that puts Yahya on his but, but he pops back up. Peek again isn’t throwing a lot, but when he does, it is hard. 10-9 Peek in this round.
Round 3 – Peek with a takedown early and now has him in mount while Basharat sits down. Position gets flipped, though, as Yahya stands back up. Peek is working between rear-naked choke attempts and throwing strikes from behind. Now they’re back on the feet with 3:15 remaining. Peek’s throwing hammerfists standing after he misses initially, which is kind of funny. Yahya lands a nice right hand that gets Peek’s attention. Peek closes distance and clinches. They separate with about a minute left, and Peek is throwing lots of punches. He doesn’t land many, but now he scores a takedown in the final 35 seconds. He finishes the fight in mount and then standing over him. 10-9 Peek this round and 30-27 overall from us.
Result: Trevor Peek def. Mohammad Yahya via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Trevor Peek def. Mohammad Yahya at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Peek (9-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC), Yahya (12-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Tim Elliott vs. Muhammad Mokaev
Round 1 – Elliott with a weird one-leg hop in the opening moments, so Mokaev kicked the plant leg. Elliot secures a takedown moments later, and he’s in control now with 4:35 remaining. Mokaev initially does a good job controlling Elliott’s wrists and tying up his arms to bide time. Mokaev gets back to his feet without taking any damage. Oh boy, Elliott tried to pull Mokaev up off the mat to knee him, but the referee determined that both hands were down on the mat, so he stops it for a warning. Nice right hand by Mokaev is answered by a nice quick combo by Elliott, which is answered with a nice takedown by Elliott who immediately sinks in a guillotine. He doesn’t quite have the position, though, but it does look tight around the neck. Good defense to get out by Mokaev with 30 seconds left, but it did look tight. Mokaev doesn’t get much offense from being on top. We’re going 10-9 Elliott here.
Round 2 – Mokaev immediately shoots in, and Elliott immediately goes back to the guillotine choke, which looks tight, although Elliott’s left leg is trapped. Mokaev never panicked and now has the top position he wants with 4:20 left. Elliott is throwing elbows from his back as Mokaev keeps his head dug in his chest. Mokaev has to try and posture or advance better. You can see Elliott trying to kick the hips off of him to escape, but he’s struggling to separate. Mokaev stands up and throws a punch, but throws himself into a triangle-choke attempt. Mokaev is in trouble, but he stands up and slams his way out of it. With one minute left, the two biggest things to happen in this round have been the submission attempts by Elliott. Mokaev has controlled but not done anything significant with his position. For that reason, we’re going 10-9 Elliott. Just not enough from Mokaev with all that top control.
Round 3 – Nice front kick to the face by Mokaev to open the round. Elliott gets caught landing another illegal knee to a downed Mokaev because his hands are down. Herzog restarts them in the same position, which is interesting. Mokaev peeks out for a really nice takedown and is now in top position with 3:40 left. Here we are again with Mokaev in control, but what is he doing with the position? Not much. But so far, Elliott hasn’t done anything, either. Now Mokaev quickly switches to an arm-triangle choke on Elliott’s left side. He sinks it in tight, and Elliott taps out pretty quickly. Fight is over.
Result: Muhammad Mokaev def. Tim Elliott via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 3, 3:03
Recap: UFC 294 video: Muhammad Mokaev remains unbeaten, taps out ranked Tim Elliott in Round 3
Photos: Muhammad Mokaev def. Tim Elliott at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Elliott (19-13-1 MMA, 8-11 UFC), Mokaev (10-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Muin Gafurov vs. Said Nurmagomedov
Round 1 – Gafurov rushes in in the first minute and Said IMMEDIATELY sinks in a tight guillotine, and that’s all she wrote. Gafurov has no choice but to tap. Wow.
Result: Said Nurmagomedov def. Muin Gafurov via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 1:13
Recap: UFC 294 results: Said Nurmagomedov needs just 73 seconds to tap Muin Gafurov
Photos: Said Nurmagomedov def. Muin Gafurov at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Gafurov (18-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Nurmagomedov (18-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves
Round 1 – A couple of nice inside leg kicks early from Alves. Good counter right hand from Aliskerov about a minute later, but it’s been a measured approach from both fighters so far. Stiff jab buckles Alves and now a flying switch knee drops him! Oh boy he’s throwing for the finish, and it’s over! What a finishing sequence for Aliskerov.
Result: Ikram Aliskerov def. Warlley Alves via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:07
Recap: UFC 294 results: Ikram Aliskerov blasts Warlley Alves with flying knee, swarms for first-round TKO
Photos: Ikram Aliskerov def. Warlley Alves at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Aliskerov (15-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Alves (14-7 MMA, 8-7 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker
Round 1 – Two nice inside leg kicks from Walker in the early going, but Ankalaev lands a right hand. Ankalaev is getting active with the leg kicks now, too, and lands another nice right hand upstairs. Walker took a body shot that appeared to make him turtle, but he was playing possum and throws a flying knee that misses. Now he’s in some trouble with Ankalev on the mat near the cage. Ankalaev throws an illegal knee while Walker is a downed opponent, landing on the chin, and the fight stops momentarily. Doctor comes in to check on Walker, and oh boy, the doctor has stopped the fight. Walker is protesting it, though. He even pushes the referee afterward. This is WEIRD. Walker and Ankalaev are exchanging words and need to be separated. Just a very bizarre conclusion to this fight. Dana White walked into the cage to make sure everything is cool.
Result: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker declared no contest (accidental illegal knee by Ankalaev) – Round 1, 3:13
Recap:
Photos: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker no contest at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Ankalaev (18-1-1 MMA, 9-1-1 UFC), Walker (21-7 MMA, 7-4 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman
Round 1 – Chimaev shoots in for a single, which Usman initally evades, but Chimaev sticks with it and gets it. Now they’re back on their feet with Chimaev on his back. Usman is now flattened out on his belly and taking hammerfists, just covering up. He pops up his hips, but Chimaev is in firm control riding him with the double hooks. Usman is on all fours trying to stay calm, but it’s hard to figure out what to do here. It’s ben more than two minutes in this position now. Usman stands up with Chimaev still on his back, exposes his neck. Just as Chimaev sinks in a rear-naked choke, he tries to shuck and throw him to the mat, but Usman can’t get away. Chimaev has been a backpack this entire time. He’s mixing in punches, but Usman has fight off this position and survived. An easy 10-9 for Chimaev.
Round 2 – A lot of movement from Chimaev in the early going as he likely looks for the right time to shoot in. Usman appears timid, trying to figure it out. Usman reaches down for a leg, but that seems like just for show. We’ve reached the halfway point, and nothing of significance from either guy. Usman keeps faking level changes. We’re 90 seconds left, and this round is up for grabs. Nobody has done anything. Usman lands a 1-2 punch combo and follows up with a nice calf kick. Chimaev hits a takedown with about 40 seconds left, but Usman has him stuck with a chest wrap. Nothing comes of that takedown. We got Usman winning the round 10-9.
Round 3 – Chimaev whiffs on the first takedown attempt in the first 15 seconds. One minute down, and that’s the main action so far. Usman throws a 1-2 and lands, countered by Chimaev well, and then Usman stuffs another takedown attempt. Usman is letting his hands go now. Chimaev is in neutral right now with 2:50 left. Usman slows it down, which hurts him. Chimaev shoots in for a takedown and now has Usman on his back with 2:20 remaining. Big mistake for Usman to not keep the pressure on. Chimaev is controlling the position, but nothing significant in terms of damage. Chimaev is heavy on Usman, and it’s hard for him to get out. He finally does with 30 seconds left. Nice flurry from both men to end it. We’re giving that one to Chimaev 10-9, but it was closer than you might think. Chimaev is our winner 29-28, but we’ll see.
Result: Khamzat Chimaev def. Kamaru Usman via majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)
Recap: UFC 294 results: Khamzat Chimaev’s grappling attack earns majority nod over Kamaru Usman
Photos: Khamzat Chimaev def. Kamaru Usman at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC), Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
Round 1 – A measured start in the first minute until Islam throws a head kick that might’ve gotten through. Then Islam follows up with a takedown attempt, but Volk did a great job to defend. Now he’s got Islam pushed against the fence. This is a hard-fought Thai clinch battle, but they separate with 2:30 left. Back to the center of the cage. Nice left hand by Islam, but Volk shakes it off. Oh boy, Islam lands a HUGE left head kick that drops Volk, and then he storms in for the finish and gets it! WOWZERS. What a finish!
Result: Islam Makhachev def. Alexander Volkanovski via TKO (head kick, punches) – Round 1, 3:06 – to defend lightweight title
Recap: UFC 294 results: Islam Makhachev knocks out Alexander Volkanovski with early head kick in rematch
Photos: Islam Makhachev def. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294: Best photos from Abu Dhabi
Records: Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC), Volkanovski (26-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: UFC 294: Official scorecards from Abu Dhabi
