
via Imago
Courtesy : imago

via Imago
Courtesy : imago
Islam Makhachev is set to take on Alexander Volkanovski in one of the biggest fights of 2023. The two earlier faced off at UFC 284, where Makhachev came out victorious via a unanimous decision. However, many fans and pundits questioned the judges’ decision as they thought ‘The Great’ had done enough to win the fight.
Initially, Charles Oliveira was going to face the Russian fighter at UFC 294. However, ‘Do Bronx’ withdrew from the fight at the last minute. Soon, Volkanovski replaced him for a much-deserved rematch. Interestingly, one of the UFC’s top stars, Conor McGregor, is also returning soon. Fans are speculating that ‘The Notorious’ can be back in the lightweight division. Let us look at how the UFC 294 main event will change plans for McGregor’s return.
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Conor McGregor vs. Islam Makhachev if the Dagestani fighter wins at UFC 294?
Islam Makhachev definitely has an advantage coming into the UFC 294 PPV. The 31-year-old has gone through a multi-week camp, unlike his short-notice opponent. This makes him a favorite to win the fight. If the Russian fighter defends his lightweight title against Volkanovski, his original plans are to move into the welterweight division.

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, CA – OCTOBER 06: Referee Herb Dean separates Conor McGregor, left, and Khabib Nurmagomedov during their fight at UFC 229 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Friday, Oct. 6, 2018. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Digital First Media/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)
However, as a lightweight champion, Makhachev will have to defend his lightweight belt at some point. And if the Irishman can win his rumored UFC 300 fight against Michael Chandler, fans can expect McGregor vs. Makhachev in 2024.
Another point to be noted here is Makhachev’s close association with Khabib Nurmagomedov. As ‘The Notorious’ and ‘The Eagle’ are undoubtedly the fiercest rivals in the UFC, McGregor will be looking to avenge his loss against the Dagestani camp by defeating Islam Makhachev.
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Is Conor McGregor vs. Alexander Volkanovski a possibility?
Despite the Dagestani fighter’s advantages at UFC 294, no one can count Alexander Volkanovski out. The Australian fighter was very close to defeating his opponent at UFC 284. Volkanovski will achieve extraordinary ‘double champ’ status if he can get the job done this time.

via Imago
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 18: Alexander Volkanovski speaks to the media during the UFC 284 Media Opportunity at UFC GYM Signature on November 18, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Zuffa LLC)
Further, fans can also see a fight between Conor McGregor and the current featherweight champ later. There have been many rounds of back-and-forths between the two fighters. As both ‘The Great’ and ‘The Notorious’ are accomplished featherweight fighters, fans simply want to know which one is better.
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Looking at the bigger picture, there is a chance of Conor McGregor fighting the winner of UFC 294 somewhere down the line. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below.
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