No need rub your eyes, you’re seeing this correctly. It’s Makhachev vs. Volkanovski, again. The two UFC champions fought each other just over six months ago in one of the fights of the year in Australia, and this weekend they’re back at it again in the main event of UFC 294.
But it wasn’t meant to be this way. Instead, Islam Makhachev was pitted against Charles Oliveira in a rematch of their earlier clash. However, with Oliveira suffering an injury in training, mixed martial arts fans are treated to a different rematch in Abu Dhabi this weekend. With the UFC Lightweight Championship on the line, can Makhachev outlast Volkanovski again, or will the Australian exact his revenge?
We break down all the latest betting odds from bookmaker bet365 and outline the best bets to make on UFC 294 this weekend.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 20th, 11:30 P.M. (GMT)
Looking at the outright betting odds for the main event of UFC 294, bookmaker bet365 yet again has Islam Makhachev as the favourite heading into this bout. The Russian pays 1.40 to win, while Alexander Volkanovski sits at 3.00. Notably, these odds are tighter than they were for their February bout, with odds of approximately 1.25 to 4.00 in favour of Makhachev then.
In terms of the method of victory odds, the defending champion winning by decision leads the way on 2.62. In fact, all of Makhachev’s paths to victory pay more than Volkanovski’s, with a submission at 4.00 and knockout at 5.00. The Australian is returning 5.50 for a decision win and 6.00 for a knockout, while a submission is a long shot at 23.00. Odds for a draw are enormous, sitting at 81.00.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: October 20th, 11:30 P.M. (GMT)
When these two met earlier in the year, the fight went the distance and Makhachev won on points, handing Volkanovski his first loss in the UFC. Many felt the challenger was robbed, and despite Volkanovski accepting this fight with just 10 days’ notice, you can be certain that he’s been laser focused on this rematch for the past six months.
We see two great bets to make here. First, backing Volkanovski to win by way of knockout. The man known as “The Great” will understand that his approach from February wasn’t good enough to sway the judges, so expect him to come out significantly more aggressive. It’ll be go big or go home for Volkanovski, and the odds for him going big are healthy at 6.00.
The other bet that’s offering great value is wagering on a controversial draw. Yes, this one is statistically a long shot, but they do happen, and now is as good a time as any. With these two so well matched that many disagreed with the judges’ decision in their first fight, perhaps the judges won’t agree if it comes down to the wire this time. Get this one right and you’ll be looking at an enormous 81.00 return.
