Read about Islam Makhachev’s stunning first-round knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. This article also covers Khamzat Chimaev’s middleweight triumph against Kamaru Usman.
| Fight | Winner |
|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski | Islam Makhachev |
| Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman | Khamzat Chimaev |
Russia’s Islam Makhachev knocks out Alexander Volkanovski to retain his lightweight title at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Khamzat Chimaev secures a majority decision victory over Kamaru Usman in the co-main event.
Islam Makhachev’s Stunning Victory
Russia’s Islam Makhachev delivered a remarkable first-round knockout to Alexander Volkanovski, successfully defending his lightweight title at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. This loss marked Volkanovski’s first knockout defeat in over ten years.
In a highly anticipated match, reigning featherweight champion Volkanovski moved up a weight class to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title. Despite losing to Makhachev by decision in their previous encounter in February, Volkanovski stepped up again when Makhachev’s original opponent, Charles Oliveira, withdrew from the fight twelve days prior.
The atmosphere in the packed Etihad Arena was electric as the battle unfolded. Makhachev’s kick to Volkanovski’s head ignited the fight, prompting him to follow his opponent to the mat. Makhachev landed nine unanswered punches before referee Marc Goddard intervened, stopping the fight at 3:06 in the first round.
This knockout dealt a significant blow to Volkanovski, who had not suffered such a defeat since May 2013, early in his MMA career against Corey Nelson.
Chimaev’s Middleweight Triumph
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev made a strong case for a middleweight title shot with a hard-fought victory over Kamaru Usman. Chimaev secured a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards, although Usman pushed him to his limits.
Chimaev dominated the former welterweight champion in the opening round. However, Usman managed to keep the fight standing in the second round and relentlessly pressed forward until the final bell in the third round, falling just short of victory.
