In the highly anticipated main event of UFC 294 this weekend, Alexander Volkanovski steps up on short notice to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. This rematch comes eight months after their thrilling first clash.
Featherweight champion Volkanovski narrowly lost to Makhachev in February, and now he replaces the injured Charles Oliveira for a shot at redemption on just 11 days’ notice.
The co-main event also features a short-notice replacement, as Kamaru Usman takes on Khamzat Chimaev on 10 days’ notice after Paulo Costa withdrew due to surgeries.
This bout marks Usman’s middleweight debut, 14 months after his reign as welterweight champion ended, as he faces one of the most dominant prospects in MMA.
Here’s all you need to know.
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When is UFC 294?
UFC 294 takes place on Saturday 21 October at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The prelims are set to begin at 3pm BST (7am PT, 9am CT, 10am ET), with the main card following at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET).
How can I watch it?
The card will air live on TNT Sports in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also streaming the fights.
In the US, ESPN+ will stream the action live, as will the UFC’s Fight Pass.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider.
Odds
Makhachev – 4/9; Volkanovski – 9/5
Chimaev – 2/5; Usman – 2/1
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Full card (subject to change)
Main card
Islam Makhachev (C) vs Alexander Volkanovski 2 (lightweight title)
Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman (middleweight)
Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker (light-heavyweight)
Ikram Aliskerov vs Warlley Alves (middleweight)
Said Nurmagomedov vs Muin Gafurov (bantamweight)
Prelims
Tim Elliot vs Muhammad Mokaev (flyweight)
Nathaniel Wood vs Muhammad Naimov (featherweight)
Mohammad Yahya vs Trevor Peek (lightweight)
Javid Basharat vs Victor Henry (bantamweight)
Abu Azaitar vs Sedriques Dumas (middleweight)
Mike Breeden vs Anshul Jubli (lightweight)
Viktoriia Dudakova vs Jinh Yu Frey (women’s strawweight)
Shara Magomedov vs Bruno Silva (middleweight)
![](https://beingsportsfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/063213b0ff751176d65e98f5680b4ab2.jpg)
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.