UFC 294 All 13 Matches Results And Report: All You Need To Know

It was a weekend filled with exhilarating action as the UFC returned to the international stage with UFC 294, hosted at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event featured a total of 13 bouts, with the top five fights comprising the pay-per-view portion billed as UFC 294.

Two highly anticipated, reconstructed headline bouts headlined the event. In the lightweight division, the reigning champion, Islam Makhachev, squared off against a familiar foe, Alexander Volkanovski, in a reconfigured title match at 155 pounds.

Simultaneously, the co-main event featured an intriguing clash between middleweight sensation Khamzat Chimaev and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at 185 pounds.

Let’s delve into the results and highlights of these remarkable matches.

Makhachev’s dominance continues:

The main event of the evening witnessed lightweight champion Islam Makhachev defending his title with an emphatic first-round stoppage of Alexander Volkanovski. It was a statement win for Makhachev, who had previously secured a controversial unanimous decision against Volkanovski in their initial encounter.

Just over three minutes into the first round, Makhachev unleashed a devastating high kick, connecting his shin to Volkanovski’s head. This brutal strike left the Australian fighter bloodied and reeling. Makhachev seized the opportunity and delivered nine consecutive hammer fists, prompting the referee’s intervention at 3:06.

Makhachev’s performance showcased his exceptional skills and strategic preparation. His use of low kicks and body kicks set up the head kick that ultimately secured the victory. This win cemented Makhachev’s reputation as a true champion and tied him for the third-longest win streak in UFC history.

Chimaev’s Rise Continues:

In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev, the middleweight boogeyman, faced former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. This matchup, arranged on short notice and contested at 185 pounds, delivered a thrilling clash. Chimaev’s takedowns and control on the ground initially appeared dominant, but Usman showed resilience and stood his ground in the striking exchanges.

Ultimately, Chimaev secured a majority decision victory, with two judges scoring it 29-27 and one judge scoring it 28-28. This victory marked Chimaev’s seventh consecutive win in the UFC and potentially positioned him for a title shot against middleweight champion Sean Strickland.

An Unfortunate No-Contest:

The event also witnessed a disappointing third-from-last bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker, ending in a no-contest due to an unintentional foul. Ankalaev’s knee struck Walker in the jaw, while the Brazilian’s knee was clearly grounded. The ringside physician’s intervention and Walker’s inability to continue resulted in a no-contest decision, creating frustration for both fighters.

Impressive Performances:

In the early stages of the card, several fighters displayed their prowess. Ikram Aliskerov, the Russian middleweight, continued his remarkable run in the UFC. Aliskerov secured a quick TKO victory over Warlley Alves in just 2 minutes and 7 seconds, emphasising his dominance.

Said Nurmagomedov, the Russian bantamweight, didn’t let his fight extend into overtime. He utilised a guillotine choke to submit Muin Gafurov in just 73 seconds, showcasing his penchant for finishing fights early.

Muhammad Mokaev, the 23-year-old Russian-born flyweight, impressed the audience by smothering the 10th-ranked Tim Elliott. Mokaev secured a head/arm choke submission at 3:03 of the third round, establishing himself as a rising contender in the flyweight division.

1. Islam Makhachev def. Alexander Volkanovski: Lightweight champion Makhachev retained his title with a first-round stoppage of Volkanovski, cementing his dominance in the division.
2. Khamzat Chimaev def. Kamaru Usman: Chimaev secured a majority decision victory, extending his winning streak and potentially setting up a title shot.
3. Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker: The bout ended in a no-contest due to an unintentional foul, raising questions about officiating.
4. Ikram Aliskerov def. Warlley Alves: Aliskerov continued his winning streak with a quick TKO victory.
5. Nurmagomedov def. Muin Gafurov: Nurmagomedov submitted Gafurov to a guillotine choke in just 73 seconds.
6. Muhammad Mokaev def. Tim Elliott: Mokaev showcased his skills with a head/arm choke submission in the third round.
7. Trevor Peek def. Mohammad Yahya: Peek secured a unanimous decision victory.
8. Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry: The bout was declared a no-contest after an unintentional foul.
9. Sedriques Dumas def. Abu Azaitar: Dumas secured a unanimous decision victory.
10. Mike Breeden def. Anshul Jubli: Breeden overcame a weight miss and secured a KO victory in the third round.
11. Muhammad Naimov def. Nathaniel Wood: Naimov secured a unanimous decision victory, leading to frustration for Wood.
12. Viktoriia Dudakova def. Jinh Yu Frey: Dudakova won by unanimous decision but missed weight, highlighting the importance of professionalism.
13. Shara Magomedov def. Bruno Silva: Magomedov secured a unanimous decision victory.

UFC 294 delivered a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action, featuring incredible performances, questionable officiating, and issues related to professionalism and weight management. The event showcased the resilience and skill of fighters and set the stage for potential