Islam Makhachev v Alexander Volkanovski | PREVIEW

The UFC returns to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi for UFC 294 with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski crossing paths once again in a rematch for the UFC lightweight championship on Saturday night.

The pair met earlier this year in what was arguably the most skilled bout between two UFC athletes in martial arts history. The stakes were at its highest with the Russian Makhachev’s 155lbs title and the Australian Volkanovski’s number one pound-for-pound ranking on the line. 

Makhachev edged out Volkanovski by a razor thin margin to retain his lightweight championship. However, he was unable to claim the UFC’s pound for pound number one spot due to the magnitude of Volkanovski’s display. 

It was a valiant effort from the Australian Volkanovski as he moved up in weight to try his hand at clinching another belt, becoming just the fifth UFC fighter to hold two belts simultaneously. As it turned out, it was not meant to be.

Volk has since remained active defeating former UFC interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez to unify the championship in what was an absolutely formidable performance. ‘The Great’ finished the contest in three rounds with vicious ground and pound to close the show. 

Makhachev on the other hand has centered his focus on enhancing his skill set in the time since their first fight earlier this year. The wrestling connoisseur has been training, anticipating yet another rematch against former UFC lightweight champion and the man he dethroned to capture UFC gold, Charles Oliveira.

Do Bronx unfortunately had to withdraw in the week leading up to fight week, and as such Makhachev has had to turn his attention to prepare himself to compete against what was undoubtedly the most difficult opponent of his career, Alexander Volkanovski once again. The 32-year-old will be placing his 12 fight win streak on the line in addition to his championship.

Since laying claim to the 145lbs throne in December 2019, Volkanovski has embarked on a remarkable run as the current featherweight champion amassing five title defences. The 35-year-old is unbeaten in the weight class since he made his debut for the promotion in 2016. 

Although the Australian’s attempt to attain the feat was in vain the last time out, he gets an invaluable opportunity to redeem himself come Saturday. 

Makhachev’s decision to accept the bout on less than two weeks’ notice illustrates the mentality of a champion he possesses, with the principle applying to Volkanovski as well. Their clash will be resemblant of a scenario where an immovable object meets an unstoppable force.