In Abu Dhabi, the UFC 294 event drew global attention as Hollywood action star Steven Seagal offered his assessment of the night’s results. Seagal commented on the main storyline of the evening, focusing on the lightweight clash that ended with Islam Makhachev defending his belt and a surprising moment for many observers. He described the finish sequence in detail, noting that Makhachev started with a sharp low kick, followed by a precise high kick that pinned Alex Volkanovski into a difficult trap. The veteran actor expressed a touch of astonishment, suggesting that the bout concluded sooner than many expected. According to Seagal, Islam demonstrated the qualities that have defined him so far in his career, signaling that the fighter is still early in what could be a long and storied path in the sport. He highlighted Makhachev as a skilled boxer and an accomplished wrestler who shows versatility in the ring, characteristics that have helped him secure a title defense at the event. Seagal’s perspective underscored the impression that Makhachev is building momentum and refining the toolkit that could propel him through the next phase of his professional journey.
UFC 294, staged on October 21, delivered a dramatic chapter in the sport, with Makhachev retaining the lightweight championship by finishing Volkanovski in the first round. The win reinforced Makhachev’s standing as a dominant force at 155 pounds and added a notable pay day to his achievement, with the Russian fighter earning around 1.79 million dollars, while Volkanovski took home approximately 1.58 million dollars for his performance in defeat. The event also showcased a high-energy co-main event, where Chimaev entered the win column against Usman in a bout that captivated fans. The Swedish fighter with Chechen roots earned about 865 thousand dollars for his victory, while Usman received roughly 1.02 million dollars, reflecting the marquee nature of both competitors and the commercial draw of the card. These financial figures highlight the stakes of the competition and the recognition that top-tier performances can command in one of the sport’s premier events.
Earlier plans for the Abu Dhabi card had Makhachev matched up against Charles Oliveira, a matchup many fans anticipated for its potential fireworks. Unfortunately, injuries during training prevented Oliveira from stepping into the bout, reshaping the lineup and leading to the eventual title defense against Volkanovski. The reshuffle illustrated a recurring reality in mixed martial arts, where injuries can alter plans at the last minute and still produce a night of memorable moments for fans. The event’s narrative remained rich with intrigue and dramatic turns, offering supporters a blend of strategic grappling, dynamic strikes, and the ever-present chance of an upset in this highly competitive division.
In related coverage, it was noted in prior reports that a celebrated figure carried the Russian flag into the UFC arena in what was described as a show of national pride, a moment that underscored the broader cultural and competitive context surrounding the event. The scene added an additional layer of symbolism to the night, aligning sportsmanship with the mood of the audience and the global audience watching the proceedings. As the record books close on UFC 294, enthusiasts will recall the decisive finish by Makhachev, the resilient performance by Volkanovski, and the noteworthy triumphs and earnings associated with the card. The event stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of the lightweight division and to the career trajectories of the fighters involved, all of whom contributed to a memorable chapter in contemporary mixed martial arts history.