Champion Islam Makhachev and challenger Alexander Volkanovski run it back on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates when the two warriors throw down in the main event at UFC 294. Makhachev won the first match via unanimous decision. What changes will Volkanovski make to turn the tables? Before the champ and challenger throw down in the rematch, Kamaru Usman takes on Khamzat Chimaev in what would be the headliner on most other UFC cards. Keep reading for UFC odds and free picks for the main card fights at UFC 294.

UFC 294 Event Info

CHAMP vs CHAMP, RUNNING IT BACK FOR THE STRAP @MakhachevMMA vs @AlexVolkanovski in a rematch for the lightweight title at #UFC294!!

[ Tomorrow at 2pmET / 11amPT on ESPN+ PPV | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/DJyasa0vYD

— UFC (@ufc) October 20, 2023

• When: Saturday, October 21, 2023. 10pm EST
• Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• TV: PPV
• Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass

UFC 294 Main Card Odds

UFC 294 Main Card Preview

Said Nurmegomedov vs. Muin Gafurov

Underdog Muin Gafurov lost his last to John Castaneda, but the loss was via unanimous decision. Before falling to Castaneda, Gafurov had won 2 straight via knockout. The underdog has won 3-of-5.

Favorite Said Nurmegomedov also lost his last bout. Nurmegomedov faced a top fighter in Jonathan Martinez. So Said’s loss was more impressive than Gafurov’s. The -225 choice steps it up and gets back on the winning track.

UFC 294 Pick: Said Nurmegomedov

Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves

The underdog in this has a decent record. Warlley Alves is 15-6. He’s 4-2 via knockout and technical knockout and 7-1 via submission.

However, Alves has lost 3-of-4. Not only has Warlley lost 3-of-4, but those bouts go all the way back to 2019, which means the dog doesn’t often step into the Octagon.

Ikram Aliskerov is 14-1. In Aliskerov’s first UFC bout, he showed why he’s such a massive favorite versus Alves. Aliskerov knocked out Phil Hawes in the first round with punches. The chalk prevails.

UFC 294 Pick: Ikram Aliskerov

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker

Johnny Walker is on a 3-match winning streak. Walker beat Ion Cutelaba, Paul Craig, and Anthony Smith. The wins over Cutelaba and Craig impressed, but the victory over Smith came via unanimous decision, which could be one of the reasons Johnny is an underdog against Ankalaev.

The favorite in this drew against Jan Blachowicz in his last. The draw meant that Blachowicz kept his belt. Ankalaev has his sights set on beating Blachowicz in any rematch. Magomed won’t let Walker stand in his way.

UFC 294 Pick: Magomed Ankalaev

Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Usman versus Chimaev is worthy of top billing. Both are two of the best fighters at UFC. Usman is on a 2-match losing streak. Both losses came in championship bouts against Lerone Edwards.

But although Usman’s last 2 losses came in title fights, Kamaru is up against it versus Chimaev. The favorite in this is 2 inches taller and has a 12-0 record. Chimaev is 6-0 via TKO/KO and 5-0 via submissions.

Chimaev is also 7 years younger. It would be nice to back Usman, but the odds haven’t changed, which implies MMA handicappers are all over Khamzat. We can’t go against the future champ.

UFC 294 Pick: Kamaru Usman

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski // UFC Lightweight Title

Makhachev won the first bout via unanimous decision. Islam won because although Volkanovski landed more strikes, Makhachev was good on 4-of-9 takedown attempts.

Islam controlled the fight and put Alexander into difficult positions. So if Volkanovski landed more strikes but he still lost the fight, what can Alexander do to turn the tables? Not much. The champ gets the nod to repeat.

UFC 294 Pick: Islam Makhachev

Where to Bet on MMA with Crypto

MMA odds are available all year long here at Nitrobetting. Create a Nitrobetting account now to place your stakes on any of the elite fighters that face off this weekend.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more MMA previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest MMA betting odds on our crypto sportsbook.

READ MORE: Procházka vs. Pereira UFC 295 Odds and Preview