ABU DHABI – The final countdown to the Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski title rematch at UFC 294 has begun after ceremonial weigh-ins.
Lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) and challenger Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC) engaged in a final staredown on Friday after making weight early in the day, and the intensity was prevalent as they look to achieve different goals in their second encounter.\
After Makhachev edged featherweight champ Volkanovski by unanimous decision at UFC 284 in February, he was scheduled to face Charles Oliveira at Saturday’s event. Oliveira withdrew due to injury, however, and Volkanovski stepped in on 11 days’ notice for his much-desired rematch.
