Watch Islam Makhachev make quick work of Alexander Volkanovski in rematch

When former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev first fought at UFC 284 in February 2023, the fight went the distance and was close contested.  The rematch at UFC 294 didn’t go a full round.

Makhachev was expected to face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in the UFC 294 main event, but Oliveira was forced out of the fight after suffering a nasty cut in training.  Volkanovski stepped in on eleven-days notice.  It was the first time that champions in different divisions rematched for the same title.  Relive Makhachev’s first-round finish over Volkanovski.  

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2: Full Fight

Makhachev is set to defend his title at UFC 302 on June 1 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey against former interim titleholder Dustin Poirier.  It will be Makhachev’s third title defense and likely Poirier’s last chance at winning UFC gold.