UFC 294: Islam Makhachev KNOCKS OUT Alexander Volkanovski with insane head kick retain lightweight title

ISLAM MAKHACHEV closed the book on his rivalry his Alexander Volkanovski with a stunning first-round head kick in their lightweight title rematch.

Featherweight king Volkanovski showed the world that Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protege was a mere mortal in their Perth punch-up in January, which he lost via a controversial unanimous decision victory.

GettyIslam Makhachev renewed his rivalry with Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294[/caption]

GETTYThe champion was cheered on by a raucous Abu Dhabi crowd[/caption]

GettyVolkanovski looked to exact revenge on the undefeated Russian[/caption]

GETTYBut he ended up getting taken out with a stunning head kick KO[/caption]

The Aussie stepped up on 11 days’ notice and dropped nearly two stone in a bid to finish the job in the main event of UFC 294 on Saturday night.

But Dagestani destroyer Makhachev proved to be a bridge too far to cross on short notice, retaining his title with a stunning head kick and ground-and-pound stoppage.

Makhchev, 31, used his post-fight interview to send a message to the people of Palestine.

He said: “I’m not celebrating the win today because of the crazy things what are happening in the world.

“Palestine, we are standing with you.”

Makhachev landed a good inside leg kick – which ultimately proved to be pivotal in the outcome of the fight -early doors and immediately put the challenger on the back foot.

Volkanovski, as expected, used City Kickboxing’s feint-heavy approach to try to create openings.

A head kick narrowly missed for the champion, who quickly changed tact with a takedown attempt.

That attempt to ground the fight was quickly stuffed by the Aussie, who would have been brimming with confidence after stopping it.

Makhachev, however, didn’t let go of the Aussie – pressing him against the cage.

And that’s where he landed some good knees in the Thai clinch, which Volk eventually managed to break.

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GETTYAlexander Volkanovski cut a dejected figure after the fight[/caption]

GETTYIslam Makhachev celebrates retaining the lightweight title[/caption]

The champion drew a big reaction from the crowd as he landed a big straight left moments after they separated.

And the Etihad Arena erupted as Makhachev landed a picture-perfect head kick to rock Volk.

‘The Great’ was badly dazed and Makhachev swarmed on him, landing crushing blows to put him out cold and further open the cuts above his eyebrows.

A dejected Volk said in his post-fight interview: “[It was] a great set-up. Good kick.

“It’s hard. I don’t like losing. It hurts me, but he’s a great champion.”

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