Islam Makhachev, the esteemed superstar of the American Kickboxing Academy, defended his undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title with sheer ease in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He achieved a stunning victory over Alexander Volkanovski, a last-minute substitute originally slated for Charles Oliveira. Makhachev’s win came during UFC 294, where he outplayed Volkanovski with a combination of a head kick and follow-up punches, sealing his triumph just 3:06 into Round 1.
Makhachev, who sports a sterling record of 25-1 in the UFC, deployed crafty kicks at various levels, dodging Volkanovski’s guard, and then delivered the match-ending head kick. The onslaught left Volkanovski in a dazed state, and Makhachev did not let up, dishing out punches until referee Marc Goddard intervened. The victory marked Makhachev’s 13th consecutive win, and his second triumph over Volkanovski.
Khamzat Chimaev proved his prowess yet again by outmaneuvering former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. The three-round co-main event saw Chimaev secure decisive takedowns and apply a stifling top game, signaling his dominance. Even though Usman tried to retaliate with punching combos and front kicks, Chimaev managed to outmaneuver him. The match ended in Chimaev’s favor, leaving Usman with a third consecutive career defeat.