Meanwhile, in UFC 294’s co-main event, middleweight Khamzat Chimaev beat Kamaru Usman by majority decision.
After stopping Alexander Volkanovski in the first round of UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev was able to hold onto his belt.
The bout on Saturday night was a rematch of UFC 284 in February, which Russia’s Makhachev won via unanimous decision.
With just 11 days’ notice, Australian featherweight champion Volkanovski jumped up to the 155-pound (70.3-kg) weight class to take the fight in lieu of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who sustained an injury in training.
The first round of this bout ended at 3:06. Makhachev, who is 31 years old, defeated Volkanovski, who is 35 years old, via head kick and ground strikes. Makhachev’s record is 25-1-0, five KOs.
“I lead a fantastic team. We always pushed me really hard in the training and in the locker room,” Makhachev remarked. I gave him a few low kicks, a few body kicks, then a head kick after that. I would want to express my gratitude to [Volkanovski]. He truly is a champion.
After Volkanovski handed Makhachev what may have been the hardest test of his career in their thrilling 155-pound title match at UFC 284 in February, the rivalry came to an end with the victory.
After five tough rounds, Makhachev defeated Volkanovski in what many saw to be a contentious unanimous decision.
Makhachev left no doubt on Saturday.
Volkanovski praised the setup and the kick. It never feels as good as losing. He’s a fantastic champion; what will you do? Give it to him.
With his victory, Makhachev now shares the third-longest winning streak in UFC history (13).
When asked whom he would want to see next, Makhachev said, “I never choose.” Dana [White], the president of the UFC, send me someone.
