Tag: UFC 294

Report – Khamzat Chimaev set to avoid surgery after UFC 294, suffers ligament tear rather than fractured hand

Khamzat Chimaev set to avoid surgery after UFC 294 suffers ligament tearDespite initial claims that he suffered a fractured hand during the first round of his UFC 294 return earlier…

Khamzat Chimaev set to avoid surgery after UFC 294 suffers ligament tear

Despite initial claims that he suffered a fractured hand during the first round of his UFC 294 return earlier this month, undefeated middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev is set to avoid a surgical procedure, with developments confirming the Chechen suffered a ligament injury, rather than a fracture.

Chimaev, who earned his thirteenth straight professional victory earlier this month, landed a close, majority decision win over former undisputed welterweight champion and former pound-for-pound number one, Kamaru Usman in a short-notice middleweight clash in the co-main event of UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

However, in the immediate aftermath of his victory over the Auchi native, Khamzat Chimaev revealed that he suffered what he believed to be a fractured hand in the opening round of his fight with Usman – leading many to suggest the newly-minted number nine ranked middleweight was set for an extended period on the sidelines.

Khamzat Chimaev expected to skirt surgery after UFC 294 win

And despite initial worry, Chimaev’s manager has confirmed during a recent interview with ESPN, how the former will likely avoid a surgical procedure to address a ligament tear rather than a hand fracture – and will instead sport a brace on his hand for a period of four weeks. 

Expected to challenge for an undisputed middleweight title next against incumbent gold holder, Sean Strickland, Chimaev – who fired shots at the newly-minted champion, had his status as immediate title challenger, challenged. 

“The only thing I like about (Khamzat) Chimaev is that he sells fights,” Sean Strickland said. “For some reason, people f*cking like him or don’t like him, I don’t know. To me, he’s a f*cking paycheck. He sells a lot of fights. People pay to watch but he f*cking hasn’t earned it [title fight].”

“He doesn’t f*cking deserve it but here we are,” Sean Strickland explained. “Give it to him. He sells a lot of fights. I’ll go f*cking fight the man for five rounds. But no, he has not earned it. He doesn’t f*cking deserve it and getting a deciison with a welterweight off the couch does not f*cking earn it.” 

Who do you want to see Khamzat Chimaev fight in his return to the UFC?

Islam Makhachev picked up Volkanovski’s lunch tab following uFC 294 Clash: ‘That was super kind’

Islam MakhachevBJJ specialist Craig Jones revealed that Islam Makhachev footed the bill for Alexander Volkanovski’s lunch following their UFC 294…

Islam Makhachev

BJJ specialist Craig Jones revealed that Islam Makhachev footed the bill for Alexander Volkanovski’s lunch following their UFC 294 showdown in Abu Dhabi.

Originally scheduled to defend his lightweight title against Charles Oliveira, Islam Makhachev found himself once again matched up with Volkanovski eight months removed from their Fight of the Year contender in February. In that meeting, the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ needed the full 25 minutes to earn a unanimous decision victory over the featherweight champ. This time, he only needed three.

Mere minutes into the opening round, Makhachev launched a perfectly timed head kick that caught Volkanovski on the top of his head, sending him crashing to the canvas. A few follow-up strikes later and it was all said and done.

Joining Volkanovski at UFC 294 was fellow Aussie and IBJJF world champion Craig Jones, who revealed that Makhachev picked up the tab for Volk and his crew at a coffee shop following their rematch.

“So Volk shows up, but the guy we were meeting with, he had tried to see Islam as well before Islam left so Islam showed up at the coffee shop as well,” Jones said on the El Segundo Podcast. “So we’re all there eating lunch and having this meeting and he’s like, ‘Someone’s out front, but you probably don’t want to see him.’ Says that to Volkanovski. We look out the window and Islam’s crew comes in and they sit at another table.

“Islam actually paid our check. That was super kind of the guy. We didn’t hear about that until after and then Volk and Islam got a photo together.”

With two losses against the lightweight titleholder, Alexander Volkanovski will likely return to his featherweight throne in preparation for a meeting with the division’s No. 5 ranked contender, Ilia Topuria.

Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev will look ahead to his next challenge at 155. Initially, it looked as though the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ would be paired up with current BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje for a fight in early 2024. However, UFC CEO Dana White seems to like the idea of rescheduling the bout between Makhachev and Oliveira for the beginning of the year, leaving Gaethje to hang out to dry.

Who would you like to see Islam Makhachev defend his title against next?

Justin Gaethje willing to sit out from UFC, wait for title fight with Islam Makhachev: ‘I have no issue waiting’

Justin Gaethje willing to sit out for a year for title fight with Islam Makhachev UFCFormer interim lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje insists he should be next to compete for divisional gold against the incumbent,…

Justin Gaethje willing to sit out for a year for title fight with Islam Makhachev UFC

Former interim lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje insists he should be next to compete for divisional gold against the incumbent, Islam Makhachev following last weekend’s UFC 294 win – however, as far as the Arizona native is further concerned, if he is overlooked in favor of a rematch with Charles Oliveira, he has no problem sitting out and laying in wait for his title fight. 

Gaethje, a former interim lightweight champion, current number two ranked contender and symbolic BMF championship holder, has been sidelined since he featured in the main event of UFC 291 back in July, landing a stunning second round high-kick knockout win over Dustin Poirier in the pair’s rematch.

Featuring in the corner of training partner and former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last weekend, Gaethje would watch on as the above-mentioned, Makhachev turned in a stunning successful defense of his lightweight crown, stopping two-time foe and featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski with a thunderous first round high-kick knockout win.

And immediately campaigning for a title fight with Makhachev next, Gaethje’s chances to fight for gold against the Russian next have been immediately quashed, with UFC CEO, Dana White confirming plans to rebook Makhachev against Oliveira next.

Justin Gaethje willing to lay in wait for title fight with Islam Makhachev

Sharing his thoughts on his immediate fighting future, Gaethje claimed he would have no issue laying in wait for a title fight against Makhachev, questioning whom else he could fight in order to land a title fight.

“Who do I fight?” Justin Gaethje asked during a recent interview with ESPN. “There’s no one. I did what I had to do. I don’t know what else I need to do.” 

“If they [the UFC] want to put (Charles) Oliveira in there, then I fight him (Islam Makhachev) in September,” Justin Gaethje explained. “I have no issues waiting. Again, as I get older, I get to understand from now until the time I’m gonna fight him I’m gonna be building strength. I’m gonna be working on my cardio, I’m gonna be refining my skills. So, I’ll have as much time as they give me and I’ll be that much more ready.” 

Who wins in a future title fight: Islam Makhachev or Justin Gaethje?

Charles Oliveira confirms plan for UFC return in January, title fight with Islam Makhachev: ‘I’m next in line’

Charles Oliveira eyes UFC return in January claims he's next for Islam Makhachev title fightAccording to former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, he could be in line for a return to the Octagon…

Charles Oliveira eyes UFC return in January claims he's next for Islam Makhachev title fight

According to former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, he could be in line for a return to the Octagon as soon as January next, as he also reveals plans are firmly in motion for him to rebook a championship rematch with Islam Makahchev, just days removed from their failed pairing at UFC 294. 

Oliveira, the current number one ranked lightweight contender, was scheduled to headline UFC 294 over the course of last weekend in Abu Dhabi, UAE, until a nasty laceration suffered just 10 days’ out from the bout, forced his ultimate withdrawal from a title rematch with Makhachev.

In the Brazilian’s place stepped in undisputed featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, who himself rematched Makhachev following a February clash, dropping a thunderous first round high-kick KO loss to the Russian at the Etihad Arena, however.

And despite his withdrawal from a championship rematch on short-notice, Oliveira has already been pegged by UFC CEO, Dana White to fight for gold in his return to active competition, in the form of a rematch with Makhachev.

Charles Oliveira immediate rebooking with Islam Makhachev

Sharing his thoughts on his immediate fighting future, Oliveira, who most recently turned in a blistering first round TKO win over the surging, Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 back in June in a maidan career win in Canada, confirmed plans for him and Makhachev to fight again next.

“Whoever the UFC says he’s (Islam Makhachev) going to fight, they’re going to fight,” Charles Oliveira said through a translator during an interview with MMA Fighting. “Everybody knows I’m next. First in the rankings, coming off of a great win, and ready to fight like I was before. I was ready for that fight [at UFC 294] until [the injury] happened, and I’m next in line.” 

“… I’m training and I’m getting ready for it,” Charles Oliveira explained. “They know what I’m all about. I don’t fight for money. I fight to make history and I fight for my legacy. So, I’m going to to continue to train, continue to get prepared and try to get up to 100 percent just like I was right before this fight. When I’m 100 percent, that’s when I’ll be ready to fight.” 

Who wins in a title rematch: Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira?

Islam Makhachev blasts pound for pound rankings: ‘I don’t understand what else I should do to get the #1 spot’

Islam Makhachev questions pound for pound rankings UFC what should I do to be number oneReigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev questions why he is not the No.1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter following a recent…

Islam Makhachev questions pound for pound rankings UFC what should I do to be number one

Reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev questions why he is not the No.1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter following a recent update.

Last Saturday Makhachev rematched late replacement Alexander Volkanovski, in what was a rematch of their highly competitive fight in February of this year and a fight between the No.2 and 3 pound-for-pound ranked fighters. This time however, Makhachev left no doubt – landing a head kick which sent Volkanovski crashing to the floor.

Makhachev followed up with devastating ground and pound which forced the referee to call and end to the action. It’s unclear who or when Makhachev will next fight, but the Dangestani man’s stock has never been higher.

Islam Makhachev reacts to latest rankings update

Following his comeback victory over Ciryl Gane to capture the UFC heavyweight title, Jon Jones would be honoured with the No.1 pound-for-pound spot. But with two wins over Volkanovski and his incredible win streak he has amassed, Makhachev does also hold a strong claim.

The new rankings were just released after last weekend’s UFC 294 and still Jones held the No.1 spot. Makhachev would react and questioned why he was not upped following his recent performance.

“I have already said at the press conference… who makes these rankings, what do they do it for? I have no clue,” Makhachev told Ushatayka. “I beat the pound-for-pound king before, they didn’t put me as No. 1. So now I am not surprised they did it this way again. Maybe that’s because he (Jones) is fighting soon so they want to promote his fight. (transcription h/t Red Corner MMA)

 “I don’t understand what else I should do to get the No. 1 spot,” Makhachev continued. “Other than beat the one who was No. 1.”

Do you think Islam Makhachev should be ranked No.1 pound-for-pound?

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Islam Makhachev speaks with Ushatayka following his victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294

Ex-UFC Champ Urges Alexander Volkanovski to Take Some Time off and Heal: ‘He’s not the same guy’

Alexander VolkanovskiFormer two-division champion Henry Cejudo believes Alexander Volkanovski may have unintentionally exposed himself following his devastating loss to Islam…

Alexander Volkanovski

Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo believes Alexander Volkanovski may have unintentionally exposed himself following his devastating loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294.

After narrowly dethroning the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ in their February Fight of the Year contender, Volkanovski accepted a rematch on just 11 days’ notice, stepping in for Makhachev’s originally scheduled UFC 294 opponent, Charles Oliveira. Despite the short-notice nature of the matchup, ‘The Great’ went into the bout with the utmost confidence.

Tragically, Volkanovski would come crashing back down to reality just three minutes into the contest when Islam Makhachev landed a perfectly timed head kick that spelled the end of Volkanovski’s dreams to become a dual-world champion.

Following the event, an emotional Alexander Volkanovski revealed his “struggle” to remain active inside the Octagon, even in the most unfavorable of situations.

“I put myself in his position,” Cejudo said on his YouTube channel. “I think the biggest mistake that Alexander could do is share a lot of who he is as a person to the people. Why do I say that? ‘I’m going through anxieties, I need to stay busy guys, I go crazy if I don’t stay busy or if I don’t fight.’ If I’m a competitor and I’m seeing all that, especially seeing him get knocked out, you know what I’m gonna be doing? I’m gonna be picking at him.”

“If I’m Ilia [Topuria], if I know that he’s concussed, and I know that he goes crazy when he’s not fighting or he’s at home or he goes through anxiety. If I’m Ilia Topuria, you guys know what I’m thinking? I’m thinking about calling this dude out and getting him to step up still on January 20th to have a better chance of actually beating him. You see, there’s times when you’ve gotta keep things to yourself. When you don’t keep things to yourself, you start to expose yourself” (h/t MMA Mania).

Henry Cejudo Urges Volkanovski to take him time

Despite the setback in Abu Dhabi, Volkanovski remains in talks to defend his featherweight title against No. 5 ranked contender Ilia Topuria at UFC 297 on January 20 in Toronto. That would give ‘The Great’ less than three months to prepare for what could very well be the toughest test of his reign as the 145-pound champion.

“If I’m Ilia Topuria on the flip side, you know what I’m thinking? I have to pick a fight with him,” Cejudo continued. “I have to get him to fight me on January 20th because the simple fact that he’s concussed. He’s concussed, it’s not the same Alexander Volkanovski that was out here finishing all these opponents … he’s not the same guy.

“If I’m Alexander Volkanovski on the flip side, you know what I’m doing? I gotta humble myself,” Cejudo said. “I gotta allow my brain to heal for the next six months. I’ve been concussed. Being concussed or going through a knockout, it takes you a minute for you to really kind of start walking that straight line. So there’s two sides. Volk, take your damn time. I wouldn’t necessarily be in a rush. You’re gonna have to humble yourself. Yeah, I’m saying humble yourself because it shouldn’t be about ego or pride. It should be about winning.”

The UFC is expected to make an announcement regarding UFC 297 in the coming weeks.