ABU DHABI – The final countdown to the Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski title rematch at UFC 294 has begun after ceremonial weigh-ins.
Lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) and challenger Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) engaged in a final staredown on Friday after making weight early in the day, and the intensity was prevalent as they look to achieve different goals in their second encounter.\
After Makhachev edged featherweight champ Volkanovski by unanimous decision at UFC 284 in February, he was scheduled to face Charles Oliveira at Saturday’s event. Oliveira withdrew due to injury, however, and Volkanovski stepped in on 11 days’ notice for his much-desired rematch.
UFC 294 takes place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN+ and YouTube.
🏆 CHAMP VS. CHAMP – AGAIN 🏆
Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski have their final faceoff for Saturday's historic #UFC294 rematch. pic.twitter.com/YOsCDgcTSK
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 20, 2023
Check out the video above to see Makhachev and Volkanovski face off one last time before UFC 294.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.
