The UFC heads to Abu Dhabi this weekend for a bumper UFC 294 card. After a week of chaos, we have a new main event and co-main, both which are arguably bigger fights than the original bouts booked. Islam Makhachev was originally schedulef to fight Charles Oliveira but after he sustained a gnarly cut in training he was forced to withdraw with Alexander Volkanovski stepping in. While in the co-main Kamaru Usman steps in on short notice to face Khamzat Chimaev. Also on the card Magomed Ankalaev takes on Johnny Walker and rising contender Mohammad Mokaev faces Tim Elliott.
We take a look at my best bets on the UFC 294 card below!
UFC 294 Preview & Betting Tips
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
Featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski first met Islam Makhachev in a champ vs. champ bout back in February, narrowly losing by decision after five close rounds. Who won that fight is debatable but with any rematch I must look at how this time is different. Volkanovski steps in on short notice meaning he may not be able to push at his usual pace. It is also worth noting while Makhachev never looked like stopping ‘The Great’, Volkanovski failed to hurt him on the feet which is cause for concern. I also feel the Dagestani won’t be as willing to engage in a striking battle this time round and will look to get this to the mat at every possible opportunity.
Volkanovski has stated his intent to finish Makchachev, a task which will be a tough one. I see his route to victory through chopping at the legs early and investing in the body before trying to shut his lights off. While I would have favoured the Aussie to upset the Russian on a full camp, on two week’s notice, he likely won’t have had the time to implement the game plan needed to take out the champ. Back Makchachev to get it done and sprinkle some money on by submission as Volk does expose his neck in scrambles, a hole which is yet to be exposed.
Value: Makchachev by submission – $3.80 (0.5 Units)
Islam Makhachev to win
$1.40 (3 Units)
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman
Initially, this co-main event was between Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa, however, Costa was ruled out with an injury and in steps former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. This fight is an intriguing one but one which poses many questions. ‘Borz’ hasn’t fought in more than a year and his toughest test to date was an undersized Kevin Holland. While Kamaru Usman steps up in weight on the back of two losses, is 36-years-old and his deteriorating body has been noted for many years.
Realistically this is Chimaev’s fight to lose. He has had a full camp, has the size advantage and Usman will be having doubts about his fighting future and is taking this fight on short notice. I won’t be going overboard but I believe this is a fight that launches Borz’s star power. He should have the strength to take down Usman and has some seriously underrated power in his hands. I am backing him to stop the former champ.
Khamzat Chimaev by KO/submission
$1.91 (1.5 Units)
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warrley Alves
If Ikram Aliskerov is as good as I believe he is, he will steamroll Warrley Alves this weekend. Alves steps in on late notice, as seems the norm on this card, and he hasn’t fought at 185 pounds since he appeared on TUF Brazil 3. He has also won just one of his last three, faces a serious prospect in Aliskerov and Alves has shown durability issues in the past. His small frame, questionable chin and the serious power in Aliskerov’s hands is a recipe for disaster for the Brazilian. Back Alisekerov to get the knockout victory.
Ikram Aliskerov to win by KO/TKO
$2.50 (3 Units)
