UFC 294 Preview and Predictions
The UFC is returning to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with UFC 294. The event is one of the best cards of the year and is stacked with vitally important bouts. That leaves us a ton to break down and discuss.
UFC 294 will have an early start time. The main card will begin at 2:00 p.m. EST with the prelims starting at 10:00 p.m. EST.
Now, it’s time to preview and predict each fight on the UFC 294 main card. You can find our prediction records below.
James: 112-72-3
Garrett: 112-72-3
Jerry: 94-58-2
Anthony: 94-59-2
Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov–Bantamweight Bout
James: The UFC 294 main card opens with a bantamweight bout between Said Nurmagomedov and Muin Gafurov. Nurmgamedov has had an impressive 6-2 UFC run, but he was on the wrong side of a close decision against Jonathan Martinez in his last fight. Meanwhile, Gafurov lost his promotional debut and is searching for his first UFC victory.
Nurmagomedov is a dynamic striker with explosive kicks and spinning attacks. He backs up his striking skills with impressive takedowns and elite front chokes. The problem is that his game plan centers around explosive actions that quickly tax his gas tank.
Gafurov skill set is also headlined by his kicks, resulting in him attacking with kicks to all three levels. Additionally, he likes to push the pace with heavy boxing exchanges.
In my opinion, the grappling exchanges will determine this bout. If Nurmagomeodv elects to grapple, I think he controls the fight before finding a submission. At worst, he banks rounds for a decision win. I will take Nurmagomedov by submission.
Garrett: Nurmagomedov via decision
Jerry: Nurmagomedov via decision
Anthony: Nurmagomedov via submission
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves–Middleweight Bout
James: At UFC 294, Ikram Aliskerov will fight Warlley Alves. Aliskerov is an intriguing middleweight prospect who made a splash in his UFC debut. Now, he is looking to build upon that momentum. Alves is 8-6 in the UFC and is jumping up a division to take this fight.
Aliskerov’s best skill is his grappling. He has great body lock takedowns and finds success from the top position with heavy control and submissions. On the feet, his striking is not the most technical, but he hits hard and can certainly find success in that realm.
Alves is a fast starter that throws heavy shots. On the feet, his most damaging weapon is his body kick. In grappling sequences, he can be controlled, but he does have submission upside.
Alves typically possesses upset potential because of his finish upside. In this fight, that holds true to an extent; however, I do not think he pulls it off. Aliskerov will be bigger and stronger which will only accentuate his grappling advantage. I will take Aliskerov by first-round submission.
Garrett: Aliskerov via decision
Jerry: Aliskerov via submission
Anthony: Aliskerov via KO/TKO
No. 2 Magomed Ankalaev vs. No. 7 Johnny Walker–Light Heavyweight Bout
James: The UFC 294 main card features a light heavyweight scrap between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker. Ankalaev is looking to get back on track after fighting to a draw against Jan Blachowicz in a vacant title bout. On the other hand, Walker, a former top prospect, is looking to break into title talks for the first time in his UFC career.
Ankalaev is one of the most well-rounded light heavyweights. This begins with his elite grappling. Anakalaev has great takedowns and top control. The light heavyweight division lacks grapplers of his stature. On the feet, he has impressive kicks with quality boxing.
At 6-foot-6, Walker is one of the longest fighters in the division. That length paired with his power makes him one of the most unique fighters. In terms of skills, his size allows him to find a ton of success with his kicks.
This UFC 294 bout is both straightforward and hard to preview at the same time. Walker is a volatile fighter because he has fight-ending power and poor durability. Plus, Anakalaev has flaws in defending leg kicks, can have low output and waits too long to use his wrestling.
If Ankalaev wrestles, he should cleanly win this fight. If he does not, Walker could use his newfound technical approach to land some strong shots. I’d lean toward Ankalaev fighting intelligently and wrestling early. I will take Ankalaev by decision.
Garrett: Ankalaev via TKO
Jerry: Ankalaev via decision
Anthony: Walker via KO/TKO
No. 1 (WW) Kamaru Usman vs. No. 4 (WW) Khamzat Chimaev–Middleweight Bout
James: The UFC 294 co-main event sees Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev move up to the middleweight division. For Chimaev, this has been the plan since he recklessly missed weight by 7.5 pounds at UFC 279. On the other hand, Usman is moving up a division on a whim after taking this fight on short notice.
The co-main event stakes will be massive as the winner will be the next middleweight title contender. For Usman, that is an opportunity to become a two-division champion and extend his legacy. As for Chimaev, he would be in a position to finally realize his championship potential.
At his peak, Usman was an outstanding wrestler with serious knockout power. The problem is that he is 36-years-old and is regressing. Considering his weight class change, it can be hard to get overly optimistic about his future.
Chimaev is a fast-paced wrestler with great submission skills. On the feet, he is not overly technical, but he has a lot of offensive tools. The issue is that he has struggled in bouts that he did not finish quickly. In fairness, that is rare.
This bout previews to be one of the best fights on UFC 294. I expect someone to be hurt in striking exchanges. Usman and Chimaev are both powerful and have suspect defense. In that type of fight, I will take the younger, more durable fighter. I will take Chimaev by first-round knockout.
Garrett: Chimaev via decision
Jerry: Chimaev via KO/TKO
Anthony: Chimaev via decision
(C) Islam Makhachev vs. (FW C) Alexander Volkanovski- Lightweight Championship Rematch
James: The UFC 294 main event features a rematch with history on the line. UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is stepping in on short notice to fight lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. If Volkanovski gets the job done, he will be the fifth simultaneous double champion in UFC history. On the other hand, Makhachev is looking to pick up another victory over Volkanovski and continue to build his resume.
In Makhachev and Volkanovski’s first outing, the pair fought to a close decision. Regarding skills, both fighters found success in the opposing fighter’s realm. Makhachev landed several impressive counters that hurt Volkanovski. Meanwhile, the featherweight champion did much better than expected in grappling exchanges. On top of that, he landed a massive shot in Round 5 that nearly ended the fight.
As far as the second matchup is concerned, I have to lean toward Makhachev. On the feet, he did a great job of using his length and size to land impactful counter shots. Volkanovski will likely still find success with his highly technical striking, but it only takes one Makhachev counter to swing the round in his favor. Not to mention, Makhachev has a very underrated kick game that could cause Volkanovski issues.
Volkanovski will also be at a disadvantage because of the short-notice aspect of this fight. Typically, Volkanovski has elite preparation and game planning; however, that advantage will be stripped since he will only have 11 days to prepare. It is also worth noting there could be logistical concerns regarding health, travel and weight cutting that provide more negative factors. If we see any regression, Makhachev could find a finish. I will take Makhachev by third-round submission.
Garrett: Volkanovski via decision
Jerry: Makhachev via decision
Anthony: Volkanovski via decision
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