ABU DHABI – Islam Makhachev isn’t taking Alexander Volkanovski’s UFC 294 prediction too seriously.
Lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) will run things back with featherweight champ Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) in Saturday’s headliner at Etihad Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view at a special time of 2 p.m. ET following prelims on ESPN+.
Volkanovski told MMA Junkie that he envisions an early knockout and that he can’t afford to show Makhachev too much respect. Makhachev said Volkanovski’s track record proves otherwise.