UFC 294 is definitely ‘the card that everyone has been waiting for’, as UFC President Dana White described it. With a thrilling rematch, a beef-settling fight, and some nail-biting debuts, the PPV is full of fireworks. As UFC 294 is almost here, let’s breeze through all the official information about this event.

UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 background

Right from the initial months of 2023, fans were speculating that UFC 294 would be the biggest PPV of 2023. Moreover, there were rumours that the UFC President was building a phenomenal fight card for the event in the United Arab Emirates. On 20th July 2023, White announced the first two fights for UFC 294.

Soon, the entire MMA world was on the edge of its seats. As weeks went by, the pioneer MMA promotion announced other bouts for the night. This included a crucial title challenger-deciding bout and an unexpected debut from Russia.

UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 full card

UFC 294 features a total of 7 preliminary fights. The main card features 6 fights, including one fight from the women’s division. Moreover, the lightweight title is on the line in the main event. Here are the list of all bouts -

Main Card

Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira (for the lightweight title)

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker

Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov

Preliminary Card

Tim Elliott vs. Muhammad Mokaev

Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry

Mike Breeden vs. Anshul Jubli

Co-main event of UFC 294: Makhachev vs Oliveira 2 - Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa

The last one year of Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa’s career has been surprising for many. Talking about Chimaev, he has been on an incredible winning streak in the UFC. Moreover, his stunning performances have left the fans wanting to see from him. However, the Chenchen-born has been inactive in the UFC for a year now.

Case is the case with Paulo Costa, who has had an impressive run in the UFC. Just like his opponent, Costa has also been inactive for over a year. Further, what makes this fight even more interesting is the beef between the two fighters. Last year, Chimaev and Costa were involved in a brawl, where external help was needed to separate the two.

Ever since then, both ‘Borz’ and ‘Eraser’ have been taking shots at each other. Now, as UFC 294 inches closer, fans are excited to see this beef settled in the octagon.

Main Event of UFC 294 - Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira

Last year, around the same time, Islam Makhachev faced Charles Oliveira for the biggest fight of his career. The battle between the two went in the most unexpected direction, as Makhachev finished his opponent in the second round to become the UFC lightweight champion.

Oliveira, the former champion, is returning to avenge his loss against Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege. Although there hasn’t been a lot of trash talk between the two, fans are excited to see how this rematch pans out. Can Charles Oliveira get his title back? Or can Islam Makhachev continue his phenomenal winning streak? What’s next for the UFC lightweight division? All questions will be answered in this PPV.

UFC 294: Makhachev vs Oliveira 2 Fighters’ Record, Stats, Previous Fight

Some of UFC’s best athletes are fighting at the UFC 294 PPV. Here are some stats and records of the event’s main event stars -

Islam Makhachev -

24 wins, 1 loss
12 fight win streak
4 wins by KO/TKO
11 wins by submission
Previous fight - Decision victory against Alexander Volkanovski

Charles Oliveira -

34 wins, 9 losses, 1 NC
1 fight win streak
10 wins by KO/TKO
21 wins by submission
Previous fight - TKO victory against Beneil Dariush

Khamzat Chimaev -

12 wins, 0 losses
12 fight win streak
5 wins by KO/TKO
6 wins by submission
Previous fight - Submission victory against Kevin Holland

Paulo Costa -

14 wins, 2 losses
1 fight win streak
11 wins by KO/TKO
1 win by submission
Previous fight - Decision victory against Luke Rockhold

Magomed Ankalaev

18 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw
10 fight unbeaten streak
9 wins by KO/TKO
1 win by submission
Previous fight - Draw against Jan Błachowicz

Johnny Walker

21 wins, 7 losses
3 fight win streak
16 wins by KO/TKO
3 wins by submission
Previous fight - Decision victory against Anthony Smith

Said Nurmagomedov
17 wins, 3 losses
1 fight losing streak
4 wins by KO/TKO
5 wins by submission
Previous fight - Decision loss against Jonathan Martinez

Muin Gafurov
18 wins, 5 losses
1 fight losing streak
10 wins by KO/TKO
7 wins by submission
Previous fight - Decision loss against John Castaneda

Location, Venue, Date & Time of UFC 294: Makhachev vs Oliveira 2

Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi is going to be the venue for UFC 294. The main event will be held on October 21, 2023. The early prelims will start at 10 AM ET. The Preliminary card will start at 12 PM ET. Finally, the main card will begin at 2 PM ET.

Previous Abu Dhabi Fight Cards

UFC has been to the Etihad Arena 5 times in the past. Moreover, this arena was a dependable venue for the promotion in the time of pandemic. Out of the 5 events, 3 have been PVVs, and the other two have been ‘Fight Nights’.

Read More - “Won’t Be Any Different From the First One…”: Fans Back Islam Makhachev Up as He Sends a Message to Charles Oliveira Ahead of Their UFC 294 Rematch

The last event at Etihad Arena was UFC 280. It took place on Oct 22, 2022. Further, both Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira headlined the event.

Commentary Team of UFC 294: Makhachev vs Oliveira 2

The commentary team of UFC 294 has bot been confirmed as of now. In the previous PPV, UFC 293, the commentary team consisted of - Laura Sanko, Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik. However, fans will be expecting to see Joe Rogan on the commentary table.

Fight Cancellations of UFC 294: Makhachev vs Oliveira 2

There has just been one fight cancellation in the UFC 294 fight card as of now. Earlier, Ikram Aliskerov and Nassourdine Imavov were facing each other in the main card of UFC 290. However, Imavov withdrew from the fight due to visa problems. Soon, Warlley Alves replaced him.

Where to Watch? UFC 294: Makhachev vs Oliveira 2 Tickets

Fans can watch UFC 294 on ESPN+ for $79.99. Also, tickets for the event are available on the Etihad Arena website. The prices range from $931 to $3,430.