In professional sports, one matchup does not provide a large enough picture to make conclusive projections for future competitions. If this were the case, there would never be a reason for a rematch, as the prospect of a certain victor wouldn’t draw up much interest from fans or bettors.
The main event of UFC 294 features a rematch between two combatants who have only suffered three total losses between them.
Back in February of this year, Islam Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski via decision for the Lightweight Championship at UFC 284. In nine days, Makhachev will defend his UFC Lightweight Title against Volkanovski in front of a capacity crowd at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates.
Due to the international venue that is hosting UFC 294, the fights will begin at 2 p.m. EST as opposed to their normal prime-time schedule.
Odds have been posted for the main event at online UFC betting sites around the web. Every UFC betting line we’ve seen for Makhachev vs. Volkanovski favors the champion by roughly 2-to-1 odds.
Alexander Volkanovski vs. Islam Makhachev Betting Line
- Alexander Volkanovski +210
- Islam Makhachev -250
Islam dominates Alexander statistically across the board. He’s younger, taller, has a longer arm and leg reach, is heavier, has a better record, and scored a victory over his opponent earlier in 2023.
Despite these numerous advantages, Volkanovski was able to take Makhachev to the limit and let the judges decide the winner.
Until yesterday, Makjachev was scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 294, but he had to pull out due to injury. Now Volkanovski has the opportunity to win back his Lightweight Championship and possess two belts at the same time, as he is already the UFC Featherweight Champion.
Before you commit to a specific set of UFC 294 odds, be sure to shop around at multiple sportsbooks to find the most profitable betting lines. You can earn the same or more dollars with a win on a smaller bet if you do your homework before placing a wager.
There are normally a series of UFC prop bets that accompany match lines, taking action on how the fight will end, in what round, and more. Because of the sudden rescheduling, MMA props for the main event of UFC 294 are scarce.
We expect online sportsbooks to create a slew of UFC props closer to the time of the event.
If you are looking to lay some action on an MMA match or two prior to Saturday, October 21st, there are plenty of odds available for betting on UFC Fight Night this Saturday on ESPN+.
The main event features a featherweight bout between 11th-ranked Sodiq Yusuff from Nigeria and 13th-ranked Edson Barbosa of Brazil.
Sources:
- ESPN
- BetOnline (BetOnline.ag Review)
