Islam Makhachev 10/3 to secure a submission victory against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294 Saturday

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It appeared as though the UFC 294 card in Abu Dhabi was heading towards disaster after both Charles Oliveira and Paulo Costa withdrew from the main and co-main events respectively due to injury.

That was until Alexander Volkanovski agreed to be Oliveira's replacement and fight lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in a highly-anticipated rematch on 11 days' notice.

Just 24 hours later, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman also agreed to be a late replacement - stepping in for Costa to fight someone who many perceive to be a boogeyman in the division - Khamzat Chimaev.

As a result of Volkanovski's and Usman's inclusion - many fans and pundits believe that UFC 294 is now superior compared to the original card. Volkanovski's clash with Makhachev is particularly an interesting match-up - with the pair already having fought earlier this year at UFC 284 in Perth.

Islam Makhachev to win by submission at UFC 294 boosted to 10/3 according to Sky Bet

The Dagestani defeated his Australian opponent by unanimous decision - although it wasn't the most convincing of victories. While Makhachev impressed on the feet, Volkanoski's ability to thwart many of his opponent's takedown attempts took many by surprise.

However, while the current featherweight champion 'Volk' won a moral victory by pushing the bigger man five rounds in a competitive fight - he has vowed to knock Makhachev out this time around. 

With that in mind, let's take a look at the 'Method of Victory' market for this lightweight title fight.

If you think he will get the nod on the judges' scorecard, that is paying a wide 5/1. The least likely scenario in the betting lines is Volkanovski to be victorious by submission at 25/1.

Meanwhile, the favourite Makhachev is 4/1 to win by TKO/KO, 21/10 to be awarded the decision - and has been boosted to 10/3 to secure the 12th submission of his mixed martial arts career.

Sky Bet 'Method of Victory' market for Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski (UFC 294):

Islam Makhachev to win by TKO/KO 4/1

Islam Makhachev to win by Decision 21/10

Islam Makhachev to win by Submission WAS 11/4 NOW 10/3

Alexander Volkanovski to win by TKO/KO WAS 7/2 NOW 9/2

Alexander Volkanovski to win by Decision 5/1

Alexander Volkanovski to win by Submission 25/1

• All odds are correct at the time of publication 

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