Volkanovski vs Makhachev – fight results after shock KO

Islam Makhachev shocked the world with a first-round knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, successfully defending his lightweight title in their highly anticipated rematch. Earlier this year, Makhachev had narrowly defeated Volkanovski in a thrilling contest in Australia, leaving fans eager for a rematch. However, it wasn’t until 11 days before UFC 294 that Volkanovski became Makhachev’s opponent, as Charles Oliveira suffered a significant eye injury.

Volkanovski seized the opportunity to avenge his previous loss to Makhachev, but unfortunately for him, history repeated itself as Makhachev emerged victorious once again, this time in even more impressive fashion. In the middle of the first round, Makhachev landed a devastating left shin kick to Volkanovski’s head, causing him to stumble and fall. Makhachev quickly followed up with a barrage of powerful hammer fists on the grounded Volkanovski, resulting in a cut on his brow. Referee Marc Goddard intervened to stop the fight, ensuring a resounding victory and title defense for Makhachev.

For updates and results from the UFC 294 main card and prelims, continue reading below.

UFC 294 LIVE:
– Islam Makhachev stuns Alexander Volkanovski with a head-kick KO in the first round.
– Russian fighter Makhachev retains his lightweight title against featherweight champion Volkanovski for the second time in just eight months.
– Volkanovski replaced the injured Charles Oliveira as Makhachev’s opponent.
– Co-main event: Khamzat Chimaev defeats Kamaru Usman by majority decision.
– Usman stepped in as a replacement for Paulo Costa with only 10 days’ notice, moving up to middleweight to face Chimaev.
– Chimaev remains undefeated with a mature performance, while Usman put on a valiant effort despite coming up short.

UFC 294 LIVE: Main-event report
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 22:05

Here’s a complete report on the main event:
Makhachev shocks Volkanovski with a first-round head-kick KO at UFC 294

Khabib explains absence from Makhachev’s corner at UFC 294
11:36, Jamie Braidwood

Khabib Nurmagomedov clarifies why he was not present in Islam Makhachev’s corner during his stunning victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. The former UFC champion, who retired with an unbeaten 29-0 record, mentioned that it was not uncommon for him to be absent from the corner on that specific night in Abu Dhabi. Nurmagomedov became Makhachev’s coach after his retirement in 2020 but announced earlier this year that he would be taking a step back from the UFC. Makhachev shocked Volkanovski with a first-round KO at UFC 294, successfully defending his lightweight title in their rematch.

Conor McGregor reacts to “illegal” strikes in Makhachev’s win at UFC 294
11:19, Jamie Braidwood

Conor McGregor responded to Islam Makhachev’s impressive first-round knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, suggesting that the victory should not have stood due to illegal strikes. The former UFC champion claimed that Volkanovski had been knocked out by strikes to the back of his head. McGregor’s comments highlight the controversy surrounding the finish of the fight.

UFC 294 in photos
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 23:50

UFC 294 LIVE: Conor McGregor changes mind on Chimaev’s win
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 23:20

UFC 294 LIVE: Conor McGregor reacts to “illegal” strikes in Makhachev’s win
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 22:55

A difficult sport to referee. Stopping the fight due to illegal strikes when Volkanovski was essentially already out is a challenging decision. However, there are grounds for it, and it would have made for nail-biting suspense. Back-of-the-head shots are not permitted.

UFC 294 LIVE: Co-main-event report
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 22:34

And here’s a report on the co-main event:
Khamzat Chimaev overcomes a courageous Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 co-main event.

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:59

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:52

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:42

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:36

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:35

Not the ending Volk wanted for his night.

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:32

Showing respect.

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:31

And still the champion.

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:27

Proving the doubters wrong.

UFC 294 LIVE
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:21

A look back at the co-main event.

UFC 294 LIVE: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:15

Volkanovski: “Obviously, it was a great set-up, great kick. It’s hard, I don’t like losing, it hurts me. But he’s a great champion, what do you do? I always back myself, and I still stand by that – back yourself every time.” It’s hard not to appreciate Volkanovski’s sportsmanship and his respect towards Makhachev. These fighters are truly the best of the best, and that hasn’t changed for Volk even after this loss. He calls on the UFC to keep him busy, stating that he doesn’t perform well when he’s sitting at home. He also expresses his desire to defend his belt against Ilia Topuria in January.

UFC 294 LIVE: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:13

Makhachev: “I showed him a couple of low and body kicks first, then I switched to a high kick. We trained for Oliveira, and nothing changed here.” The Russian fighter also thanks Volkanovski and pays tribute to the featherweight champion.

UFC 294 LIVE: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:11

Islam Makhachev defeats Alexander Volkanovski in the first round by KO (head kick and hammer fists, 3:06). Volkanovski congratulates Makhachev on his victory. There is no doubt now that Makhachev is the pound-for-pound number one fighter. Jon Jones’s previous controversies with performance-enhancing substances work against him in our rankings.

UFC 294 LIVE: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:09

The fighters embrace, and Makhachev tells Daniel Cormier at ringside, “I told you, I told everybody.” Indeed, he did. Makhachev’s left shin grazed Volkanovski’s head, causing the Australian fighter to stumble and collapse. Unable to defend himself, Volkanovski suffered a relentless assault of hammer fists from Makhachev. Somewhere in the flurry of strikes, Volkanovski sustained a deep cut on his eyebrow.

UFC 294 LIVE: Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 21:07

Round 1:
A powerful left hook lands cleanly on Volkanovski’s head, but he appears unfazed. Suddenly, a head

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