UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski Prediction Odds and AI Picks

The biggest fight promotion in the world is back on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, with UFC 294 set to take place on Saturday morning. The main event will be between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC lightweight belt. Therefore, the Makhachev vs Volkanovski prediction is one to see with full attention.
In the rematch, Volkanovski believes he has what it takes to make the adjustments necessary to become a double champion, as he already holds the featherweight world title. There aren’t many chances to watch two pound-for-pound greats meet in the octagon–especially twice in their prime.
Follow along for an in-depth look at this exciting matchup and for the Makhachev vs Volkanovski prediction ahead of placing any bets on this weekend’s betting slate.
Makhachev vs Volkanovski Prediction Odds
FIGHTER | MONEYLINE | OVER/UNDER |
ISLAM MAKHACHEV | -240 | O 4.5 |
ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI | +200 | U 4.5 |
The Makhachev odds have him as a sizable betting favorite at -250 heading into the weekend. He’s also +140 to get the job done inside the distance and be the first person to ever finish Volkanovski in the UFC.
Volkanovski’s betting lines have him as the +210 underdog, which is a better chance to win than what oddsmakers gave him in the first fight between these two (+320). He’s +325 to win inside the distance.
The over/under is set even at 4.5 rounds, and this bout is currently favored to end inside the distance at -140. Even though they went the full 25 minutes earlier this year, oddsmakers believe this time around there will be a finish.
Game Information
ISLAM MAKHACHEV vs ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI |
Location of the Game: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
Date and Time: Saturday, October 21, 2023 – 2 PM ET main card start |
Reason: Lightweight Division Bout for the UFC Lightweight Championship |
How to watch: ESPN+ PPV |
Betting Preview
Islam Makhachev

Makhachev is a Russian MMA fighter from the mountains of Dagestan with a professional record of 24-1, including four TKO/KO victories and 11 submissions. At the age of 31, Makhachev is the current world lightweight champion of the UFC and has won 12 fights in a row.
Makhachev is listed as a 5’10” southpaw with a 70” reach. While in the UFC, he averages 2.35 significant strikes landed and 1.27 significant strikes absorbed per minute.
When making your Makhachev vs Volkanovski prediction, keep in mind that he also averages 3.24 takedowns per 15 minutes spent inside the octagon while having a 90% takedown defense.
Alexander Volkanovski

Volkanovski is a 35-year-old Australian mixed martial artist with a professional record of 26-2, including 13 wins by TKO/KO and three submissions. His only loss in the UFC has been to Islam Makhachev earlier this year at UFC 284.
Volkanovski is a 5’6” orthodox fighter with an impressive 71” reach for his size. He averages 6.25 significant strikes landed and 3.36 significant strikes absorbed per minute in the UFC.
He’s also a solid grappler, averaging 1.86 takedowns per 15 minutes in the octagon and a modest 69% takedown defense–stuffing five out of nine takedown attempts from Makhachev in their first meeting.
AI Betting Picks
ODDS | AI BETTING PICKS |
OVER/UNDER | UNDER 4.5 Rounds (-120) |
MONEYLINE | Islam Makhachev (-250) |
This is a very close fight, and the Makhachev vs Volkanovski prediction was a tough one to arrive at. The reasoning behind these picks is simply how elite of a fighter Makhachev is. Volkanovski is great in his own right, but it’s going to be tough to bet against Makhachev.
If someone doesn’t have physical advantages over Makhachev, he will get the better of them almost every time. There are also a lot of adjustments and ways to attack Volkanovski that the lightweight champion can expose.
Vokanovksi has a recently surgically repaired elbow, and Makhachev has a nasty kimura lock on the ground that he loves to attack in wrestling scrambles. Also, Volkanovski leaves himself open for a short right uppercut when he enters range with that lead left hook. He’s short, so that left hook turns into an overhand, and that counter is open.