In a surprising turn of events, the upcoming UFC 294 event has undergone yet another major change. UFC president Dana White took to social media on Wednesday to announce that former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will now be facing off against Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. This comes as a replacement for Paulo Costa, who had to withdraw from the bout due to elbow surgery three weeks ago and not being cleared to fight.
Considered a high-profile matchup, the bout between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev will take place at middleweight, as originally scheduled when Costa was Usman’s opponent. Despite Costa’s reluctance to withdraw from the fight, Usman, with an impressive record of 20-3, including a title rematch loss to Leon Edwards, eagerly accepted the challenge. Usman, a Nigerian-born fighter who trains in both Florida and Colorado, had an exceptional 15-fight winning streak prior to his two consecutive defeats, making him one of the most formidable talents in the welterweight division.
On the other hand, Chimaev, with a perfect record of 12-0, has been making waves in the UFC with his undefeated streak. The Chechen-born fighter, known for his aggressive style and exceptional finishing ability, has proven his skills in both middleweight and welterweight divisions. At only 29 years old, Chimaev has already established himself as one of the most promising up-and-coming fighters in the UFC, with the potential to become a future champion in either weight class.
While the Usman vs. Chimaev bout is undoubtedly a highly anticipated showdown, the main event at UFC 294 will feature a clash of champions. Islam Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight titleholder, will put his belt on the line against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. This matchup came together following an unfortunate incident where former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira sustained a cut during training, leading to his withdrawal from the Makhachev fight.
With Makhachev and Volkanovski headlining the event, the stakes are incredibly high. Both fighters have established themselves as dominant forces in their respective weight classes and will undoubtedly leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory. The clash between these two champions promises to deliver an unforgettable night of action for UFC fans worldwide.
The unexpected rematch between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev adds an exciting twist to UFC 294. With both fighters hungry for success and holding impressive records, fans can expect a thrilling battle in the octagon. Additionally, the main event featuring Makhachev and Volkanovski ensures that the card is stacked with talent and promises a night of unforgettable fights. UFC 294 is gearing up to be a must-watch event for MMA enthusiasts, and the anticipation continues to build as fight night draws near.
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