UFC 294: Islam Makhachev KOs Volkanovski to retain lightweight title

In the main event at UFC 294, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev knocked out featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski to retain his title.

After Charles Olivera pulled out through injury, it was Volkanovski who stepped in on ten days notice to attempt to avenge his loss to Makhachev in Feburary, which saw him come out the wrong side of a decision in Australia.

However, Makhachev ensured it would be a short night this time around, with a powerful head kick in the first round ending Volkanovski's chances of becoming double champion in Abu Dhabi.

For Makhachev, this is his 13th straight win, and will likely face Justin Gaethje as his next challenger. For Volkanovski, he said he his ready to defeand his featherweight title in Januray.

In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev made a winning return after 13 months away from the UFC with a majority decision win over Kamaru Usman.

Like Volkanovski, Usman also stepped up on short notice, and can take credit on stepping in on short notice as he made his competed in his first UFC fight at middleweight.

Elsewhere, it was a frustrating night for Johnny Walker, who trains out of Ireland, as his fight with Magomed Ankalaev ended in a no contest after an illegal strike by the Russian fighter.

After Walker had a discussion with the referee, it seems as through there was some miscommunication, as he reacted angrily to the fight being stopped.