Quick Facts
- Islam Makhachev goes into bout as -265 favorite
- Alexander Volkanovski comes in as the underdog at +200
- Volkanovski stepped in after Charles Oliveira suffered deep cut above eye in sparring
Makhachev vs. Volkanovski Odds
| Fighter | Odds (To Win) |
|---|---|
| Islam Makhachev | -265 |
| Alexander Volkanovski | +200 |
After the withdrawal of Charles Oliveira due to an injury suffered in sparring, Alexander Volkanovski answered the call and will once again lock horns with old foe Islam Makhachev in Abu-Dhabi at UFC 294 this weekend. This UFC Lightweight Championship rematch has sparked exitement among fighting pundits and fans alike following their first clash back at UFC 284 in February.
In that initial fight, the contest went the full five rounds with Makhachev claiming a unanimous decision win over Volkanovski. So, will history repeat itself this weekend or will Volkanovski be justified in his decision to step in as a late replacement?
The odds suggest it will be a repeat with Makhachev the favorite to win with odds of -265. If you think Makhachev can get the job done inside the distance you can bet on him winning via sbmission (+280) or TKO (+500).
If you think Volkanovski can flip the script and gain revenge you can get moneyline odds of +200. If you have a strong pull for Volkanovski to cause an upset and win before the final bell you can wager on him to win via submission (+ 450) oy by TKO (+2300). If you would rather place a simple wager on the fight going the distance, the odds for yes are -104, while if you think someone is going to be stopped you can find odds of -124.
Makhachev vs.Volkanovski Prediction
In what should be a barnstorming fight, I am taking Makhachev to retain his title and once again come out on top against his old foe. Looking at it on paper (luckily fights are not won on paper) he is the more well-rounded fighter and also boasts the size advantage, which could prove crucial. Although most would say that Volkanovski is the better striker, it is also clear that his opponent has the superior wrestling skills which will make it tough for the underdog to unsettle the champion.
I think the best to take for this fight is for it to once again go the distance (-104). As mentioned above, they both were still standing at the final bell last time and I expect both to still be there at the end of the fifth round this time.
With that said, I also think taking Makhachev to win at -265 is a sensible wager. Volkanovski hasn’t been taken out in over a decade and is a durable fighter without a doubt. Expect the judges to declare Makhachev and in doing so he retains his title.
Best Sportsbooks for Makhachev vs. Volkanovski
If you are on the lookout for the best betting sites for UFC 294 you can find out more in our detailed guides.
