In the highly anticipated main event of UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, is set to face off against the featherweight champion, Alex Volkanovski, in a rematch of their thrilling Fight of the Year contender earlier this year. Their first encounter at UFC 284 on Feb. 11 in Australia saw Makhachev secure a unanimous decision victory, retaining his lightweight title.
Volkanovski has stepped up on short notice to replace Charles Oliveira, who withdrew from the fight due to a training injury. The featherweight champion is determined to seize the opportunity and become a two-division champion, agreeing to the fight with just 11 days’ notice.
In the co-main event, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will make his middleweight debut on short notice as he faces the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at 180 pounds. Usman accepted the bout just 10 days before the event after Paolo Costa, who was initially scheduled to fight Chimaev, fell ill with a staph infection.
How to watch UFC 294 without cable:
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023
- Prelims time: 10 a.m. ET
- Main card time: 2 p.m. ET
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- TV: PPV
- Streaming: ESPN+ PPV
Where to stream UFC 294:
For ESPN+ subscribers, UFC 294 can be purchased through ESPN+ for $80. New users can bundle UFC 294 with an annual subscription for a 30% discount, totaling $124.98. UFC 294 prelims will be available for streaming at no extra cost to ESPN+ subscribers. An ESPN+ subscription starts at $10 per month and provides access to exclusive ESPN+ content, including all UFC PPV prelims, live events, fantasy sports tools, and premium articles.
How to watch UFC 294 without ESPN+ or paying for PPV in the US:
ExpressVPN offers the option to access a more affordable UFC livestream without paying a high PPV price. In the UK, many UFC events are broadcast live on TNT Sports and do not require a separate PPV purchase. A contract-free subscription to BT TV, which includes TNT Sports, costs around $49 per month. When used with a VPN, this setup enables you to livestream the fight at a significant discount. ExpressVPN, known for its protection, speed, and broad location options, is an excellent choice for expanding your streaming options. New users can save 35% and receive an extra three months free by signing up for ExpressVPN’s 12-month subscription. Additionally, the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Main card (Start time 2 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV):
- Lightweight championship: Islam Makhachev (C) (-275) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (+225)
- Middleweight: Khamzat Chimaev (-320) vs. Kamaru Usman (+250)
- Light heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev (-360) vs. Johnny Walker (+280)
- Middleweight: Warlley Alves (+450) vs. Ikram Aliskerov (-650)
- Bantamweight: Said Nurmagomedov (-225) vs. Muin Gafurov (+185)
Prelims (Start time 10 a.m. ET, ESPN+):
- Flyweight: Tim Elliott (+340) vs. Muhammad Mokaev (-450)
- Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (+135) vs. Trevor Peek (-165)
- Bantamweight: Javid Basharat (-600) vs. Victor Henry (+425)
- Middleweight: Abu Azaitar (+185) vs. Sedriques Dumas (-225)
- Lightweight: Mike Breeden (+225) vs. Anshul Jubli (-275)
- Featherweight: Nathanial Wood (-350) vs. Muhammad Naimov (+275)
- Women’s strawweight: Viktoriia Dudakova (-550) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (+400)
- Middleweight: Shara Magomedov (-250) vs. Bruno Silva (+200)