Islam Makhachev left no doubt tonight in his lightweight title rematch with Alexander Volkanovski tonight at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi as he delivered a huge head kick knockout finish in the opening round.
Round One:
The lightweight title rematch is underway in Abu Dhabi.
Leg kick for Makhachev. He tries to land a couple of front kicks, but comes up short. Leg kick for Volkanovski.
Head kick attempt from Islam is just blocked in time. Makhachev looking for a takedown opportunity but Volkanovski prevents it and they battle for position in the clinch against the change. Volkanovski does well to turn Islam into the cage.
Now it’s Makhachev who presses off the cage and turns Volkanovski into the fence. Volkanovski gains control again and then they separate.
Nice left hand lands for Islam. Head kick from Makhachev lands clean just above the guard to the top of the head and rocks Volkanovski, sending him slumping to the canvas.
Volkanovski still conscious but badly dazed as Makhachev blasts him with repeated hammerfists until the referee steps in to hand him a stunning KO victory at 3.06mins of the opening round!
To his credit Volkanovski did actually see the kick coming and got his hand up, but Makhachev’s kick still landed well, and in doing so handed the featherweight king his first loss to strikes in over a decade. Impressive stuff from the lightweight champ.
