'Could Be Career Changing!' – MMA World Goes Ballistic After Islam Makhachev Head Kicks Alexander Volkanovski At UFC 294

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev landed a perfectly-timed head kick to knock out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294.

Makhachev and Volkanovski squared off in the UFC 294 main event in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The lightweight title rematch occurred just a few months after their ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate at UFC 284 earlier this year.

While their first fight was back-and-forth and competitive, Makhachev ensured the run-back with Volkanovski was short-lived. Just minutes into the fight, Makhachev collapsed Volkanovski with a head kick and brutal ground and pound to win the first round.

Makhachev’s first-round knockout was a result that few likely expected, and his latest signature win turned the MMA community into a frenzy.

Related: UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 Live Results & Highlights

MMA World Reacts To Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2

Here’s what social media had to say about the UFC 294 main event.

Welp, now there's no wondering. Islam is the real deal #UFC294

— Amy Kaplan (@PhotoAmy33) October 21, 2023

Contender of the „Knockout of the year“What a finish by @MAKHACHEVMMA The No.1 Pound for Pound fighter in the world. #UFC294

— Aleksandar Rakic (@rakic_ufc) October 21, 2023

That could be career changing !

— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) October 21, 2023

Wow

— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) October 21, 2023

I’m next

— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) October 21, 2023

Heck of a performance by Islam. I have a mountain to climb.

— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) October 21, 2023

Islam had success in the first with that left leg, mixed it up nicely to set that up 👏🏼 #ufc294

— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) October 21, 2023

A head kick ko 🤯

— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) October 21, 2023

This sport is crazy. #UFC294

— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) October 21, 2023

Makhachev defeated Volkanovski by unanimous decision at UFC 284 back in February. Before that, he won the then-vacant UFC lightweight title over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280.

Makhachev and Oliveira were supposed to fight at UFC 294 before Oliveira withdrew due to an injury. It’s uncertain if the UFC will re-book the fight following the results of UFC 294.

Volkanovski will now turn his attention back to being the UFC featherweight titleholder and a possible clash in 2024 against Ilia Topuria. After this knockout loss, he could face a short medical suspension.

Makhachev and Volkanovski entered UFC 294 neck-and-neck in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. After their rematch, Makhachev has cemented himself in their rivalry and is arguably the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

• Read Also: UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 Live Results & Highlights