- UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2
- Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Saturday, October 21, 2023
Get ready for an epic showdown as Islam Makhachev faces off against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The odds have Makhachev as the favorite with a favorable -275, while Volkanovski is a strong underdog at +220.
Makhachev vs Volkanovski Odds
Islam Makhachev -275
Alexander Volkanovski +220
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
Islam Makhachev, a 31-year-old fighter with an impressive record of 24-1-0, steps into the Octagon weighing 155 lbs and standing at 5’10”. His opponent, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski, measures in at 5’6″ and weighs 145 lbs. Volkanovski, aged 35, boasts a record of 26-2-0. The fighters showcase different striking styles, with Makhachev connecting on 2.35 significant strikes per minute, while Volkanovski lands 6.25 per minute. Makhachev demonstrates higher striking accuracy at 59%, compared to Volkanovski’s 56%. Defensively, Makhachev allows only 1.27 significant strikes per minute, while Volkanovski allows 3.36. Both fighters exhibit impressive defense, with Makhachev stopping 61% of significant strikes thrown at him, and Volkanovski blocking 58%.
| UFC 294 | Islam Makhachev | Alexander Volkanovski |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Odds | +260 | +205 |
| Record | 24-1-0 | 26-2-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 10:15 | 17:14 |
| Height | 5’10” | 5’6″ |
| Weight | 155 lbs | 145 lbs |
| Reach | 70″ | 71″ |
| Strikes Landed Per Minute | 2.35 | 6.25 |
| Striking Accuracy | 59% | 56% |
When it comes to takedowns, Makhachev has the advantage, averaging 3.24 takedowns per 15 minutes. He successfully takes down his opponents 62% of the time and defends against 90% of takedown attempts against him. Volkanovski, on the other hand, lands takedowns on 37% of his attempts and stops 69% of takedowns attempted by his opponents. In terms of submission attempts, Makhachev shows superior skills with 1.1 subs per 15 minutes, while Volkanovski attempts 0.2 subs per 15 minutes.
Looking back at their previous fight, Makhachev secured a unanimous decision victory over Volkanovski in round 5. Volkanovski landed 164 of 255 total strikes, while Makhachev connected on 95 of 135 total strikes. Volkanovski’s striking accuracy was 48%, with 70 of 143 strikes being significant. Makhachev demonstrated higher accuracy at 60%, landing 57 of 95 significant strikes. The majority of significant strikes for both fighters were aimed at the head, with Volkanovski connecting on 37 of 96, and Makhachev landing 36 of 72. Notably, 82% of Volkanovski’s significant strikes and 78% of Makhachev’s significant strikes were executed at a distance.
In his most recent bout, Alexander Volkanovski emerged victorious against Yair Rodriguez, delivering a knockout punch to the head in round 3. Rodriguez had a 95% striking accuracy at distance, while Volkanovski landed 37% of his significant strikes from a distance. Volkanovski successfully connected on 68% of his significant strikes, with 66 out of 97 landing. Of the 69 strikes aimed at the head, he connected on 48. Rodriguez, on the other hand, landed 40 of 80 significant strikes, with a 13 out of 49 accuracy rate when targeting the head. In terms of total strikes, Rodriguez landed 57 of 103, while Volkanovski connected on 149 of 198.
Other fights to look out for on the UFC 294 card
Another thrilling fight on the card is Kamaru Usman versus Khamzat Chimaev. Usman boasts a career record of 20-3-0, weighing 170 lbs and standing at 6’0″. Chimaev, an undefeated fighter with a record of 12-0-0, comes in at 185 lbs and measures 6’2″. Usman averages 2.96 takedowns per 15 minutes, while Chimaev scores an impressive 3.98 takedowns per 3 rounds. In terms of striking, Usman lands 4.46 strikes per minute with a 52% accuracy rate, while Chimaev maintains 59% accuracy and lands 7.30 strikes per minute.
Another fight to watch is the clash between Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev. Ankalaev holds a record of 18-1-1 and weighs 205 lbs. Standing at 6’3″, he has an arm span of 75″. Walker, standing at an imposing 6’6″, weighs 205 lbs and has a record of 21-7-0. Walker boasts an arm span of 82″.
