After all the debate and controversy over the decision that ended their first fight this past February, Islam Makhachev made sure to not leave any doubt and retain the UFC lightweight championship.
Makhachev pulled off a stunner by knocking out Volkanovski with a head kick in the first round of the UFC 294 main event to retain the title.
The first round started slow, with both men being cautious around the other. After about a minute, Makhachev shot in for a takedown. Volkanovski defended, as the two battled for control. Makhachev's knees and grappling strength allowed him to get the better of the exchange, however.
Then, Makhachev set up a perfectly executed head kick that landed on the right side of Volkanovski's face, which dropped Volkanovski, allowing Makhachev to finish the fight.
UFC 294: Twitter reacts to Isam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2
Everyone after seeing that finish #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/yYaofC8VJf
β A (@Aadam_12) October 21, 2023
Islam Makhachev did exactly what he set out to do. Proud of this man. #AndStill the UFC Lightweight champion π #UFC294
β πππ’π¨π©π’π π΅πΈ (@stiopic_) October 21, 2023
AN EMPHATIC FINISHβΌοΈ pic.twitter.com/4q8IgEjJl3
I speak for everyone when I sayβ¦
β Mα΄Κα΄Κs Hα΄ΙͺΚΚΙͺΙ΄α΄ (@MmaUnderdogs) October 21, 2023
We will no longer be watching the UFC #UFC294
pic.twitter.com/f7j2MWEYdg
Daniel Cormier seeing Islam pouring on ground and pound:#UFC294 pic.twitter.com/pB1hrATKru
β MacMally π (@MacMallyMMA) October 21, 2023
Islam Makhachev finishes Volkanovski in the first round π₯Ά
β π½ππππππππβ (@Sa_Gwang) October 21, 2023
Just how good is this guy?#UFC294pic.twitter.com/RmZCsY6Ywq
Volkanovski: Yeah ill step in for that fight. I got nothing to lose.
β OverDogs Podcast | Kanpai Media (@OverDogsPodcast) October 21, 2023
Islam Makhachev: #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/8jJyIMLUxX
HEADSHOOT π±π―
β La Sueur (@LaSueur_off) October 21, 2023
LA SURPRISE DβISLAM MAKHACHEV ! #UFC294
pic.twitter.com/4mzYl9MJry
FULLY HYDRATED ISLAM MAKHACHEV IS A DIFFERENT BEAST ππ #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/lfgWoExrgs
β AWUREDO (@AOUREDOO) October 21, 2023
Volk did not just get head kick KOβd by Islamβ¦ π #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/2JjICIH8Sq
β π (@darwinsburner) October 21, 2023
Makhachev originally won the lightweight championship at last year's UFC event in Abu Dhabi, UFC 280, submittng former champion Charles Oliveira to win the then-vacant title. Makhachev and Oliveira were originally booked to rematch on this card before Oliveira suffered a nasty gash on his head last week that forced him out of the fight.
The loss in the original fight with Makhachev was Volkanovski's only loss in the UFC entering tonight's main event. Volkanovski has been featherweight champion since dethroning Max Holloway at UFC 245 in December 2019. He has since retained the tite against Holloway (twice), Brian Ortega, "The Korean Zombie" Chan Sung-Jung and Yair Rodriguez.