UFC 294: Islam Makhachev proves his mettle with stunning win against Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev retained the UFC lightweight title in spectacular fashion in Abu Dhabi on Saturday night, defeating Alexander Volkanovski in their rematch at UFC 294.

The Dagestani, who captured the belt in the capital last October, registered a first-round TKO at a sold-out Etihad Arena, stunning his opponent with a superb head kick before finishing the fight with vicious ground and pound.

The triumph, coming off the back of his victory against Volkanovski in February, lifted Makhachev’s win streak to 13. The belt-holder was initially to rematch Charles Oliveira, a repeat of the headline bout in Abu Dhabi 12 months ago, but the Brazilian was forced to withdraw earlier this month through injury.

Volkanovski, the current featherweight champion, stepped in on 11 days’ notice.

Speaking inside the octagon immediately after the win, Makhachev said: “I have a great team. We always did this in the locker room, in the training — pushed me very hard. I showed him a couple of low kicks, couple of body kicks, and then changed to head kick.

“I want to say thank you to this guy [Volkanovski]. He’s a real champion.”

Asked who he wanted to face next, Makhachev said: “I never choose. [UFC CEO] Dana [White], you have to give me some job. Give me someone.”

In the night’s co-main event, middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev came through a majority decision against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. The judges scored the bout 29-27, 29-27, 28-28.

ISLAM MAKHACHEV JUST KNOCKED OUT ALEX VOLKANOVSKI