UFC 294: Odds, Date, Start Time and How To Watch

UK MMA fans rejoice: there is another numbered UFC card hitting your screens at a reasonable time this year!

Following two rescheduled bouts in the co-main and main event of this card, UFC 294 looks significantly different now than it did just a few days ago.

Here we've delved into the need-to-know details for this eagerly anticipated show, outlining when and where it will take place, what the schedule now looks like and how the bookmakers have positioned the odds for the five main card fights.

When is UFC 294?

UFC 294 is happening on Saturday 21st October 2023.

Where is UFC 294?

Abu Dhabi hosts its annual UFC numbered event, with a host of regional fighters padding out the stacked card.

Etihad Arena, an indoor 18,000-seated venue located on the Yas Bay Waterfront district of Yas Island, is where the fights are being held.

UFC 294 marks the 18th event held in Abu Dhabi since Brazilians Anderson Silva and Demian Maia fought as the headliner for UFC 112 in 2010.

The organisation and the emirate of Abu Dhabi have an extremely strong relationship, with the latter previously holding a 10% stake in the former before opting to sell their share once Endeavor purchased Zuffa, the UFC's parent company.

The relationship grew even stronger during COVID when Abu Dhabi offered the UFC a self-contained environment to continue hosting events at the height of the pandemic and in the midst of an almost entirely terminated sporting calendar. This was known as "Fight Island".

Who is Fighting At UFC 294?

There are five fights on the main card, which is headlined by the rematch between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and featherweight title holder and number two ranked pound-for-pound fighter Alexander Volkanovski.

This pair first met back in February this year, contesting a thoroughly entertaining and extremely close fight, in which Makhachev retained his 155lbs title over his adversary in Perth at UFC 284.

A second meeting between Islam and top contender Charles Oliveira was originally scheduled as this card's main event. However, a last-minute injury declared Oliveira unable to fight, and the ever-game Volkanovski stepped in on just 10 days' notice to take a second swing at acquiring double champ status.

Elsewhere, a reshuffle in the co-main sees Khamzat Chimaev now squaring off with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at 185lbs. Chimaev was intending to fight middleweight Paulo Costa, but has also had to endure a late opponent change due to complications with Costa's elbow surgery.

Also on the card, light heavyweights Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker will look to bring the noise. Another middleweight bout between Ikram Aliskerov and Warlley Alves precedes that fight, while Said Nurmagomedov and Muin Gafurov get the main card underway in a bantamweight brawl.

If you're tuning in for the preliminary fights, it's worth looking out for two Brits. Featherweight Nathaniel Wood is the favourite for his clash with Muhammad Naimov midway through the action. Then rounding out this portion of the broadcast, no.11 ranked flyweight Muhammad Mokaev is the final fight before the main fights begin as he goes to war with Tim Elliott of the United States in the Featured Bout.

Where Can I Watch UFC 294?

UK viewers can catch the prelims for no extra cost if subscribed to UFC Fight Pass - the organisation's video streaming service. There is the option of monthly or annual tiers, with costs sitting at £6.99/month or £71.99/year.

For the main card, TNT Sports are showing the fights live for users with a subscription.

What Are the UFC 294 Odds?

Islam Makhachev is the favourite to repeat his February triumph over Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC 294 main event. Volk, who ran the lightweight champ close in a decision victory, can be backed at 2/1 to add a second belt to his name in Abu Dhabi.

Despite neither fighting at middleweight, the co-main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman is sure to be a blockbuster fight. "The Wolf" is seen as having a significant advantage and enters as the 4/11 favourite, while "The Nigerian Nightmare" who is coming in on the back of two straight defeats to new welterweight champion Leon Edwards represents an 11/4 punt.

Find the full list of match result odds in the grid below: