Islam Makhachev stops Volkanovski in one at UFC 294

Islam Makhachev made a successful defense of his UFC lightweight world title following a first-round knockout over UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski this Sunday (Philippine time) at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Makhachev, who improved his professional mixed martial arts record to 25-1, was originally scheduled to face former champion Charles Oliveira but the latter had to withdraw after he suffered a cut in training.

With Oliveira out of the picture, Volkanovski took the fight on eleven days' notice. Unlike their first outing earlier this year, Volkanovski did not look as competitive as Makhachev dictated the tempo right from the opening bell.

Makhachev brought the fight to him, landing a head kick that sent Volkanovski crashing to the canvas. The lightweight world champion followed up with multiple unanswered hammer fists which prompted the referee to halt the contest at the 3:06 mark of round one.

“I have a great team. The training pushed me very hard, that is why [I am] champion today,” Makhachev said after the fight.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News