Updated October 14, 2023By Chris Boline
What: The updated main event contests at UFC 294
Who: UFC Men’s Lightweight Championship: Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Alexander Volkanovski & UFC Men’s Middleweight Contest: Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev
When: Saturday, October 21, 2023
Where: Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
There has been some big news this week in the UFC as the main event bouts at UFC 294 later this month were shaken up by some changes in personnel. For your UFC 294 betting needs, SBS has you covered with this updated breakdown of the co-main events for the evening. What was supposed to be a UFC Lightweight Championship rematch between current champion Islam Makhachev and former champion Charles Oliveira, has now turned into another rematch, but with Alexander Volkanovski taking the place of Oliveira after the latter withdrew due to injury. Meanwhile, another matchup has been altered with Paulo Costa withdrawing due to surgery and Kamaru Usman taking his place in the bout against Khamzat Chimaev.
In this article, SBS will be going over some different UFC 294 betting notes like what to look for from each fighter along with a predicted winner in each fight and more notes about MMA wagering.
UFC 294 Main Event BoutsThe Pick
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander VolkanovskiMakhachev-255-255-255Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat ChimaevChimaev-280-280-280
UFC Men’s Lightweight Championship overview: Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Alexander Volkanovski
Fighter Spotlight: Islam Makhachev
The reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, Makhachev is one of the most feared competitors in the sport. With a record of 24-1, he has one of the most impressive fighting totals of any competitor in the UFC. As noted in this space already, he is coming off a win against Volkanovski at UFC 284 where he won in unanimous decision fashion, defending his UFC Lightweight Championship. In a Fight of the Night bout, the Russian combatant was able to outlast his rival thanks to his usual flurry of sambo techniques and Judo styles. Recognized as a top-five fighter in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, he is familiar with Volkanovski so his prep for this fight should not alter too drastically.
Fighter Spotlight: Alexander Volkanovski
Another excellent fighter in the UFC, the Australian competitor is aiming for history at UFC 294 in this bout. The current UFC Featherweight Champion, will mark the first time that champions in different divisions rematch for the same title and the ninth overall that champions in different divisions fought for the same title, the last time occurring at UFC 284. If successful, Volkanovski will become the fourth man to be champion in two divisions simultaneously. Moreover, he might become the fifth fighter overall, as well as the eighth person overall to win a title in different divisions. With an overall mark of 26-2, aside from Makhachev, few have been able to slow down Volkanovski. A fighter with 13 knockout wins in his career, this should be an excellent rematch the MMA world has been waiting for.
Prediction: In what should be another instant classic, take Makhachev to win again here thanks to a battle-ready training regime and Volkanovski being called into the fight on short notice.
Islam MakhachevTo win vs. Alexander Volkanovski
-255
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UFC Men’s Middleweight Contest breakdown: Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Fighter Spotlight: Kamaru Usman
In another turn of events, Usman replaces Costa in this fight that is also expected to serve as a UFC Middleweight title eliminator. The former UFC Welterweight Champion, Usman is looking for his first win since November of 2021 when he fought Colby Covington in a unanimous decision title defense of his Welterweight Championship. Since then, he went on to face Leon Edwards in two stellar bouts that both, unfortunately for Usman, ended with him losing to Edwards. That said, he is looking to right the ship as he squares off against Chimaev in the middleweight division on short notice.
Fighter Spotlight: Khamzat Chimaev
Our final fighter showcase, Chimaev is a Swedish fighter that is also one of the most dominant fighters in the promotion. With a perfect record of 12-0, this will be his first fight in over a year as he won a catchweight bout with Kevin Holland at UFC 279 with a brabo choke submission. An excellent combatant, he is a three-time Swedish National Champion in wrestling and has an awesome fighting repertoire thanks in part to his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While he has been sensational to this point, Usman presents the biggest challenge yet for Chimaev.
Prediction: Another close bout, give Chimaev the slight edge given his extensive prep for this fight and also no fighter being able to slow him down at this point.
Khamzat ChimaevTo win vs. Kamaru Usman
-280
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Other thoughts and information about your UFC 294 bets
Once you are all dialed in regarding the latest UFC wagering news coming from SBS, make sure to also tap into the wide array of resources available to you at the site. Of course, for even more UFC 294 betting news, our UFC betting sites rundown has you covered with all the latest UFC and MMA betting news. Moreover, for those looking to maximize their UFC 294 bets, the best bonus betting sites guide is a must-read page where you can find a catalog of the latest welcome bonus offers available. Conversely, if you are someone on the go making your UFC 294 picks, our best betting apps breakdown is a fantastic resource on mobile betting. With all of these great resources, you can make sure you are making the best UFC 294 bets possible.
About the Author
Chris Boline
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football in the Mountain West Conference, and basketball.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones.
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