By: Jonathan Martin
Islam Makhachev came out victorious at UFC 294 on Saturday with a knockout victory against Alexander Volkanovski in the first round. Makhachev, 31, set the tone early with leg kicks and use of his 4-inch height advantage. The highlight of the night came when Makhachev landed a flush, left, head kick above Volkanovski’s guard hand, knocking him down. Makhachev followed with a ground and pound to finish the dazed and distressed Volkanovski.
When asked in his post fight interview who he would like to face next Makhachev boldly replied.
“I never choose. Dana, you have a job. Give me someone.”
Despite the loss, Volkanovski held in good spirits during his post octagon interview, praising Makhachev’s performance.
“I back myself every single time, I still stand by that always back myself,” said Volkanovski. “Islam is one man you don’t want to back yourself if you don’t prepare properly because look what he can do to you.”
Volkanovski vocalized his aspirations to get back in the octagon as soon as January in the 145 pound featherweight division. A potential fight against number five ranked contender Ilia Topuria or a fourth fight against number one ranked Max Holloway are what many fans are hoping for.
“I want to say to the UFC please keep me busy, I don’t do well when I’m not fighting.”
Khamzat Chimaev, 29, was victorious in a three-round bout against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Chimaev aggressively pounced for the takedown against Usman within the first minute of the opening round. He totaled 7:16 of ground control time during the fight. Usman’s striking gave Chimaev problems in the second round and the start of the third. He landed 36 significant strikes with 27 on the head. Chimaev, however, showed maturity in this fight realizing he was not winning exchanges, standing up and landing a late third round takedown to solidify the victory.
“It doesn’t matter wherever in the world Ukraine and Syria, Afghanistan, Palestine, USA it doesn’t matter when kids die it’s hard guys,” Chimaev said. “Muslim, Christian, Jewish it doesn’t matter please guys be together.”
Usman, 36, has lost his three last fights. His performance displayed improvements compared to his previous duel with Leon Edward where he showed signs of cowardice and hesitation.
The first three fights of the card ended in the blink of an eye. Johnny Walker versus. Magomed Ankalaev was ruled a first round no contest because of an illegal knee Ankalaev threw while Walker was on the ground.UFC medical staff ended the fight despite both fighters asking to continue. Ikram Aliskerov vs.Warlley Alves ended in a first round technical knockout when Aliskerov landed a flying knee and a flurry of punches when Alves was on the ground.
Nurmagomedov was victorious against Muin Gafurov in first round submission via guillotine choke. Gafurov rushed in swinging against Nurmagomedov Leaving an opening for his neck to be taken.