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UFC 294 Betting Preview: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski

October 21, 2023



UFC 294 will feature the highly anticipated rematch between currently lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The action takes place in the United Arab Emirates and will offer an exciting betting opportunity for fans.


  • Location: Etihad Arena, Yas Island/Yas West United Arab Emirates

  • Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023

  • Main Card: 2:00 PM ET (ESPN+)

  • Prelims: 10:00 AM ET (ESPN+)

Islam Makhachev Betting Preview

2015 was the last time Makhachev has suffered a defeat, as he has won 12 consecutive since that moment. In the previous battle, he defeated Volkanovski by unanimous decision at the UFC 284 event in February of this year.

He has been exceptional in the octagon, with a remarkable record of 24 wins. Among these victories, he achieved four knockouts, 11 by submission, and nine by decision. Notably, nine of these wins were secured within the first round, while he has only suffered one loss due to a knockout.

His striking abilities shows a 59 percent accuracy rate, coupled with a 62 percent success rate in executing takedowns. His performance in significant strikes is particularly noteworthy, as he lands an average of 2.35 while only absorbing 1.27, resulting in a favorable ratio that could prove advantageous if he adopts a more aggressive approach.

He deflects significant strikes with a 62 percent success rate. Furthermore, his takedown defense is even stronger, standing at an impressive 91 percent. In the realm of grappling, he averages 3.24 takedowns and 1.05 submissions per 15 minutes of action.

Alexander Volkanovski Betting Preview

Volkanovski recently had his 22-fight win streak snapped when he lost to Makhachev. However, he quickly bounced back with a third round TKO win over Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in July earlier this year.

His impressive track record boasts 26 victories, which includes 13 knockouts, three submissions, and 10 decisions. Seven of those wins were secured in the first round, showcasing his dominance in the initial moments of a fight. With only one loss by knockout and decision, he has a chance to hold off another opponent.

Known as "The Great," he maintains a striking accuracy of 57 percent, with a takedown success rate hovering at 38 percent. In terms of significant strikes, he holds a favorable ratio that shows 6.25 strikes for every 3.36 absorbed. Dominance in striking will potentially lead him to victory.

Defensively, he excels against significant strikes with a solid 59 percent success rate and a 69 percent defense rate against takedowns. Additionally, his ground game is solid, averaging 1.86 takedowns and 0.19 submissions per 15 minutes of action.

Odds, Series Trends and Free Pick

MyBookie's odds moderately lean in favor of Islam Makhachev in this rematch. You might want to think about including Makhachev in a parlay bet with other fights taking place that night to potentially increase your potential payout in case he secures the win.


  • Alexander Volkanovski: +191

  • Islam Makhachev: -250

Makhachev does a great job at controlling the pace of the fight and does not rush into a striking war. In their last fight, Volkanovski had more quality strikes, but Makhachev landed four takedowns and earned the win.

Spooky Express Pick: Take Islam Makhachev to Win at -250