UFC 294 main card preview, top betting picks & fight odds

The main card for UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates is stacked with European talent. The co-main event between former middleweight champ Kamaru Usman and unbeaten phenom Khamzat Chimaev will be worth the price of admission alone.

As a bonus, fight fans will enjoy a stellar line-up of high-level contests featuring stone-cold Russian warriors like Magomed Ankalaev and Ikram Aliskerov, who appear ready to press for contender status in their respective weight classes.

Islam Makhachev v Alexander Volkanovski

Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski

Can Aussie star Alexander Volkanovski turn the tables on Islam Makhachev after his contentious defeat to the Russian star in February? See our in-depth UFC 294 main event preview here.

Kamaru Usman v Khamzat Chimaev

Kamaru Usman vs Khamzat Chimaev

Kamaru Usman (20-3-0) has suffered a pair of defeats to Leon Edwards in his past two appearances. Prior to those losses, the Nigerian ruled the middleweight division with an iron fist, dispatching a long list of challengers that included Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. This matchup will test whether Usman can adjust to life as a non-champion and regain his confidence following the disappointment of successive setbacks.

Khamzat Chimaev (12-0-0) is a surging UFC prospect who appears ready to fulfil his destiny. The Chechen-born grappler has only been tested on one occasion as a prizefighter in the UFC, in a three-round war against Gilbert Burns that was decided via the judges. Chimaev’s other five UFC appearances have ended in swift fashion, either by early KO or submission stoppage. He is a short price with UFC betting sites to continue this trajectory.

Magomed Ankalaev v Johnny Walker

Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker

Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1) last fought in December 2022 in a strange interim title bout against Jan Blachowicz that ended in a draw. Both men appeared sluggish and unwilling to attack, and they left the octagon empty-handed. Prior to that mediocre effort, the Russian had torn through the light heavyweight ranks with nine successive victories. A bold performance here will position Ankalaev for another shot at UFC gold.

Johnny Walker (21-7-0) is a Brazilian wild man who has been working hard on his defence in recent times and no longer throws himself headlong into danger in pursuit of spectacular finishes. The change in strategy has paid dividends, with Walker winning his last three fights in solid fashion. He will need to display the same discipline against a tough and technical opponent here, and a win would be considered an upset.

Ikram Aliskerov v Warlley Alves

Ikram Aliskerov vs Warlley Alves

Ikram Aliskerov (14-1-0) has lost a single fight as a professional, back in April 2019 againt Khamzat Chimaev when they were competing under the Brave CF promotion. The Russian earned his UFC call-up via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 and delivered a flawless display on debut, knocking out Phil Hawes in the opening minutes. The 30-year-old is a sambo fighter and bears some stylistic resemblance to his mentor, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Warlley Alves (15-6-0) has struggled in recent years with a 2-4 record since 2018. The Brazilian has the striking and grappling tools to be competitive in the middleweight division but struggles with motivation and focus. As the longest-priced prospect on this main card, Alves will need to be at the top of his game to be competitive against a tough opponent.

Said Nurmagomedov v Muin Gafurov

Said Nurmagomedov vs Muin Gafurov

Said Nurmagomedov (17-3-0) will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing decision loss to Jonathan Martinez in his most recent appearance. Prior to that defeat, the Russian was building a solid record with four straight victories, three of which came via early stoppage. He has drawn an easier assignment for this matchup against a relative UFC newcomer and is expected to rediscover his earlier winning form.

Muin Gafurov (18-5-0) made his UFC debut in June 2023 after a long career on the provincial circuit and was ground down in a unanimous decision loss to John Castaneda. His five career losses have all come via the judges’ scorecard. Gafurov tends to throw heavy shots in the opening minutes before tiring in the latter rounds, and his best chance to prevail here will be to land some big blows in the opening exchanges before fatigue slows his output.

More sports betting tips