Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 Predictions, Picks & Odds

sportsbookreview.com

19 October 2023

Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 Predictions, Picks & Odds

On Saturday, lightweight champ Islam Makhachev faces a challenge from featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski, who aims to level the score,and we've got our Makhachev vs. Volkanovski predictions for UFC 294 based on the odds from our best sportsbooks.

Volkanovski suffered a unanimous decision loss despite a late surge when he first challenged Makhachev at UFC 284 in February. He now gets another shot on short notice after Charles Oliveira, Makhachev's original opponent, bowed out due to a nasty cut suffered in sparring. Volkanovski's sole defeat in 14 UFC bouts came in February's unanimous decision loss. Since then, he has defended his featherweight crown with a dominant performance against ex-interim champ Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290 in July.

Makhachev has achieved a dozen straight victories since his defeat to Adriano Martins in 2015, and he is returning to Abu Dhabi a year after submitting Oliveira to claim the divisional strap at UFC 280. The 31-year-old's near-unblemished career record of 24-1 includes 15 fights that didn't go the distance.

Make sure to check out other Top Picks for UFC 294 and here is our best Makhachev vs. Volkanovski prediction for UFC 294 as part of our UFC picks (odds via the best sports betting apps; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 prediction

Volkanovski by KO/TKO (+550 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐

Call me a sucker, but I’m leaning toward an emphatic Volkanovski upset in Saturday’s rematch and that's based mainly on intangibles.

Having rocked Makhachev near the end of their first clash and taken this booking on short notice when his foe was preparing for a far different dance partner, Volkanovski enters the rematch with confidence to burn, sans the pressure of defending a title.

While Makhachev’s wrestling remains a problem for anyone competing even in the vicinity of 155 pounds, the onus is now on him to adjust his gameplan accordingly and more cleverly strike into his takedowns against the shorter Volkanovski, who’s usually adept at getting inside.

The right-handed Volkanovski lands at more than double Makhachev’s rate (6.25 significant strikes per minute to 2.35), and I expect he’ll have an easier time getting past the left-handed Makhachev’s lead hand if he shows him a little less respect this time around. The UFC’s featherweight king also boasts an edge in conditioning, having gone the five-round distance in five of his last seven contests, while Makhachev was visibly the more sluggish fighter by the end of their February meeting.

If the challenger can get past Makhachev’s lead hand, set up his low kicks, and hustle out of reach when Makhachev clinches, Volkanovski should take his man into the later rounds. As Makhachev tires and his shots become sloppy, I see Volkanovski evening the score with a nasty salvo that will dispose of the defending champ inside the distance.

Not intended for use in MA
Affiliate Disclosure: Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook

Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 best odds

Given Makhachev’s unanimous decision victory in their first meeting and the late-notice booking, the reigning lightweight champ understandably enters the rematch a comfortable favorite. BetMGM, BetRivers, and bet365 offer a second Makhachev win at -250 with a Volkanovski upset at a compelling +200.

If you’re reluctant to settle on a KO/TKO win for the featherweight champ, DraftKings leads our best sports betting sites at a solid +225. While a win for Makhachev won’t net much value, the prop bets on him are more interesting, as those leaning toward another decision win for the lightweight king will find the best available payout at +180 with FanDuel.