Makhachev makes statement at UFC 294
In a rare afternoon card for bettors in the United States, UFC 294 delivered with some late highlights on the main card.
In the main event, Islam Makhachev made a statement by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in the first round with a vicious head kick. Makhachev's victory was a statement win for the UFC Lightweight Champion, as Volkanovski has often been considered the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world.
Makhachev closed as a healthy -250 favorite and bettors riding 'under' 4.5 total rounds were lighting up cigars early as the fight finished in the first round.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev defeated Kamaru Usman in a three-round war. Chimaev's victory was expected since he was a heavy against Usman. The former UFC welterweight champion has now dropped three straight losses with the setback.
In other notable results, Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker fought to a no contest after Walker took an illegal knee to his head. Confusion arose after the doctor made the decision to stop the fight.
Also, Ikram Aliskerov and Said Nurmagomedov both won by first-round stoppage to kick off the main event and Muhammad Mokaev submitted Tim Elliott in the third round.
UFC 294 was a night that will be remembered for Alexander Volkanovski and Kamaru Usman stepping up for the UFC on short notice, although both came up short in their bouts.
UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 Betting Results
- Favorites-Underdogs: 9-2
- Over-Under: 6-5
- Fights to Go the Distance: 6
- Fights to Finish Inside Distance: 5
- Knockouts/Technical Knockouts: 3
- Submissions: 2
UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 Main Card Results
Lightweight Championship
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
- Odds: Islam Makhachev -250 Alexander Volkanovski +200
- Outcome: Makhachev by TKO (R1, 3:06)
- Total Rounds: Under 4.5
Middleweight Bout
Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev
- Odds: Kamaru Usman +250 Khamzat Chimaev -334
- Outcome: Chimaev by Majority Decision (29–27, 29–27, 28–28)
- Total Rounds: Over 2.5
Light Heavyweight Bout
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker
- Odds: Magomed Ankalaev -350 Johnny Walker +275
- Outcome: No Contest (Illegal Knee)
- Total Rounds: No Contest
Middleweight Bout
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves
- Odds: Ikram Aliskerov -600 Warlley Alves +450
- Outcome: Aliskerov by TKO (R1, 2:07)
- Total Rounds: Under 1.5
Bantamweight Bout
Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov
- Odds: Said Nurmagomedov -275 Muin Gafurov +225
- Outcome: Nurmagomedov by Submission (R1, 1:13)
- Total Rounds: Under 2.5
UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 Preliminary Card Results
Flyweight Bout
Tim Elliott vs. Muhammad Mokaev
- Odds: Tim Elliott +350 Muhammad Mokaev -450
- Outcome: Mokaev by Submission (R3, 3:03)
- Total Rounds: Under 2.5
Lightweight Bout
Mohammad Yahya vs. Trevor Peek
- Odds: Mohammad Yahya +137 Trevor Peek -163
- Outcome: Peak by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Total Rounds: Over 1.5
Bantamweight Bout
Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry
- Odds: Javid Basharat -500 Victor Henry +380
- Outcome: No Contest (Accidental Groin Kick)
- Total Rounds: No Contest
Middleweight Bout
Abu Azaitar vs. Sedriques Dumas
- Odds: Abu Azaitar +187 Sedriques Dumas -225
- Outcome: Dumas by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Total Rounds: Over 2.5
Lightweight Bout
Mike Breeden vs. Anshul Jubli
- Odds: Mike Breeden +225 Anshul Jubli -275
- Outcome: Breeden by KO (R3, 3:00)
- Total Rounds: Under 2.5
Featherweight Bout
Nathaniel Wood vs. Muhammad Naimov
- Odds: Nathaniel Wood -350 Muhammad Naimov +275
- Outcome: Naimov by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Total Rounds: Over 2.5
Women's Strawweight Bout
Viktoriia Dudakova vs. Junh Yu Frey
- Odds: Viktoriia Dudakova -550 Junh Yu Frey +400
- Outcome: Dudakova by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Total Rounds: Over 2.5
Middleweight Bout
Shara Magomedov vs. Bruno Silva
- Odds: Shara Magomedov -334 vs. Bruno Silva +250
- Outcome: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Total Rounds: Over 1.5