UFC 294 Picks - Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Prediction

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Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski face off on Saturday for the lightweight title in the main event of UFC 294 at Etihad Arena on the Yas Island. When these two faced off in February it was Makhachev that secured the victory. 

Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Odds

Islam Makhachev is the favorite sitting at -258 while Alexander Volkanovski is the underdog sitting at +210. The total rounds sits at 4.5 with the over paying out at -115. 

Islam Makhachev Betting Preview

Islam Makhachev comes into this fight with a 24-1 record overall and he has won 12 fights in a row. His last fight came against Volkanovski and that was a unanimous victory. He was actually oustruck 70-57 but he had four takedowns and that was enough for the victory. He is averaging 2.35 significant strikes per minute and absorbing 1.27 significant strikes per minute. He wants to get the fight to the ground and is averaging 3.24 takedowns every 15 minutes. He is successful on 62 percent of his takedown attempts and stops 90 percent of his opponents takedown attempts. 

Alexander Volkanovski Betting Preview

On the other side of this matchup is Alexander Volkanovski who sits with a 26-2 record and he is coming off a victory in his last fight. Volkanovski faced off against Yair Rodriguez and it was a knockout victory. Volkanovski had seven takedowns in that fight and he finally won late in the third round. Volkanovksi is averaging 6.25 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.36 significant strikes per minute. He is averaging 1.86 takedowns every 15 minutes and he is successful on 37 percent of his takedown attempts. He also stops 69 percent of his opponents takedown attempts. Volkanovski is taking this fight on 11 days notice and that could really have a huge impact on this fight. 

Shane’s Free Pick

Even if Volkanvoski had a full camp I don’t think he would have much of a chance in this fight and now he’s fighting on short notice. Makhachev is the much better fighter and he’s going to quickly wear down Volkanovski here. Volkanovski is going to really struggle in the second and third rounds, and Makhachev is going to find a way to get the finish. Back Makhachev to win by finish. 

The pick in this article is the opinion of the writer, not a PickDawgz site consensus.

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