UFC 294 LIVE: Volkanovski vs Makhachev – fight results after shock KO

Re-live updates from the lightweight-title rematch and co-main event, plus undercard action in Abu Dhabi

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Islam Makhachev stunned Alexander Volkanovski with a first-round knockout on Saturday, retaining the lightweight title in their rematch at UFC 294.

In February, Makhachev outpointed Volkanovski – who holds the featherweight belt – in the latter’s native Australia, in a competitive clash that left many fans desiring a rematch. Few expected it to come at UFC 294, but 11 days before the event, Makhachev’s original challenger Charles Oliveira suffered a severe cut over his eye. And with that, the door opened for Volkanovski.

The 35-year-old relished the chance to avenge his narrow loss to Makhachev, but there was to be no revenge for him – only a repeat as the Russian triumphed again, and in finer fashion this time.

Midway through the first round of the main event, southpaw Makhachev skimmed his left shin off Volkanovski’s head, wobbling and dropping the featherweight king. Makhachev, 31, followed up with a fierce flurry of hammer fists to the grounded Aussie, whose brow split open amid the onslaught. Referee Marc Goddard stepped in, confirming an emphatic victory and title defence for Makhachev.

Re-live updates and results from the UFC 294 main card and prelims, below.

UFC 294 LIVE

• Islam Makhachev stuns Alexander Volkanovski with head-kick KO in first round
• Russian retains lightweight title against featherweight champion – for second time in eight months
• Volkanovski was a late replacement for the injured Charles Oliveira
• Co-main event: Khamzat Chimaev beats Kamaru Usman via majority decision
• Usman stepped in for Paulo Costa on 10 days’ notice and moved up to middleweight for clash with Chimaev
• Chimaev stays unbeaten with mature performance, as Usman comes up short despite valiant showing

[21 October 2023 21:59 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

[21 October 2023 21:52 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

[21 October 2023 21:42 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

[21 October 2023 21:36 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

[21 October 2023 21:35 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

Not how Volk wanted his night to end.

(AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

(AFP via Getty Images)

[21 October 2023 21:32 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

Nothing but respect.

[21 October 2023 21:31 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

And still.

(AFP via Getty Images)

[21 October 2023 21:27 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

Doubters, silenced.

Islam Makhachev, right, seals the finish against Alexander Volkanovski (AP)

Islam Makhachev silenced the doubters with his knockout of Alexander Volkanovski (AFP via Getty Images)

[21 October 2023 21:21 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE

A look back at the co-main event.

Khamzat Chimaev, right, en route to victory over Kamaru Usman (AFP via Getty Images)

[21 October 2023 21:15 · Alex Pattle]

UFC 294 LIVE: Alexander Volkanovski vs Islam Makhachev

Volk: “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 back myself all the time, I still stand by that – back yourself every time.”

How can you not like this guy? Or Makhachev? These guys are the best of the best, and that doesn’t change for Volk – even in a loss like this.

He calls on the UFC to keep him busy, saying he doesn’t do well when he’s sat at home. He’s still keen to defend his belt against Ilia Topuria in January.