UFC 294 Main Card Fights: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2, Usman vs Chimaev

• Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title vs. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294
• Kamaru Usman will make his middleweight debut in his clash against Khamzat Chimaev
• Magomed Ankalaev will square off against Johnny Walker in a light-heavyweight battle

We are just a few days away from UFC 294, and excitement is building for one of the year's biggest events.

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski will lock horns for a second time this Saturday for the UFC Lightweight Championship, while Kamaru Usman will debut in the middleweight division against Khamzat Chimaev.

Here’s all you need to know about the main card fights in UFC 294.

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski

The much-anticipated lightweight title showdown between reigning champ, Islam Makhachev and challenger, Alexander Volkanovski - the defending UFC featherweight champion - will headline the card.

This will be the second meeting between the UFC champions. Makhachev was supposed to fight Charles Oliveira in the main event, but the latter had to withdraw due to injury.

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Volkanovski stepped in at short notice to take Oliveira's place, much to the fans' delight.

Makhachev and Volkanovski served up a thrilling contest in their first matchup, with the former scoring a unanimous decision victory, per Bleacher Report.

It was the Australian star, however, who finished that fight strong, with Volkanovski nearly earning double-champ status at UFC 284.

Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Kamaru Usman also has dreams of becoming a two-division champion. He will make his middleweight debut this coming Saturday when he faces Khamzat Chimaev in a blockbuster clash.

Chimaev was supposed to fight Paulo Costa in Abu Dhabi. The Brazilian fighter pulled out of the bout, though, after undergoing surgery on his elbow.

Dana White chose Usman to replace Costa, sending fans into a frenzy. Usman is a decorated fighter as he is a former UFC Welterweight champion.

However, he lost his last two fights in that division to Leon Edwards, leaving Usman without a title, per ESPN.

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A win over Chimaev will give him another title shot in the middleweight division. That won't be easy, though, as Chimaev is unbeaten in 12 MMA fights.

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker

Magomed Ankalaev's last UFC fight ended in controversial fashion. He fought Jan Błachowicz for the vacant Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 282 and looked to have done enough to grab the title.

Judges begged to differ, with the fight ending in a split draw. Ankalaev's next opponent is Johnny Walker, who possesses a 21-7 MMA record.

The Russian fighter will fancy his chances against Walker as he hasn't lost since March 2018. He is expected to use his grappling early in the fight and shoot for takedowns in the light heavyweight matchup.

Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves

A middleweight showdown between Ikram Aliskerov and Nassourdine Imavov was supposed to take place at UFC 294. That didn't push through, as Imavov was forced to withdraw due to visa issues.

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Aliskerov will face The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3 middleweight winner Warlley Alves instead this Saturday. Alves, who owns a 15-6 MMA record, lost his last fight against Nicolas Dalby via split decision at UFC 283.

Aliskerov has won his last six MMA fights, five of which came via knockout and submission.

Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov

The first fight of the UFC 294 main card is a showdown between Said Nurmagomedov and Muin Gafurov.

Nurmagomedov comes into this bout with an MMA record of 17-3, including a 6-2 slate in the UFC. He lost in his last fight against Jonathan Martinez by unanimous decision back in March.

Gafurov has yet to win inside the Octagon, losing his first two UFC fights. He lost via unanimous decision to John Castaneda back in June.

Adesanya steps away from UFC

Sports Brief also reported on Israel Adesanya stepping away from the UFC.

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The Last Stylebender is coming off a shocking title loss to Sean Strickland.

Adesanya stated he was not retiring but would take a break from the sport.