21 October 2023 , 07:30
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The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi tonight as lightweight world champion Islam Makhachev defends his belt in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski.
Volkanovski was handed his first UFC defeat in February when he dared to be great by moving up in weight to challenge for Makhachev's 155lb title. The Australian will get the chance to avenge his defeat thanks to Charles Oliveira being forced out of the main event after he suffered a gruesome cut in his last training session.
The co-main event also features another switch up as a chronic infection meant Khamzat Chimaev's original opponent Paulo Costa was unable to compete. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman stepped up on less than two weeks' notice to save the show as Chimaev faces the toughest test of his UFC career. So here's all you need to know about tonight's fight card...
Islam Makhachev vs Alexander Volkanovski
Makhachev returns to the very arena that he won the vacant lightweight title by tapping out Oliveira a year ago as he looks to make the second defence of his belt. Volkanovski was targeting a featherweight title fight at the beginning of next year against Ilia Topuria but he still plans on making that date.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman
Chimaev is fighting for the first time in over a year as the unbeaten star has been sidelined since tapping out Kevin Holland in just over two minutes. The Chechen is moving back up to middleweight after his weight struggles at 170lb whilst Usman, who hasn't won a fight in almost two years, makes his debut at the weight class.
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Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker
Ankalaev missed out on the chance to win light-heavyweight gold last December when he fought to a majority draw with Jan Blachowicz. Walker is hoping to end the Russian's unbeaten run that spans five years as the winner of this fight could be next in line for a title shot.
Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves
Aliskerov is widely regarded as one of the best middleweight prospects in the UFC, with Chimaev admitting his fellow countryman has been his toughest opponent to date. Aliskerov won his promotional debut by knockout in May and he looks to make it two wins in two against 20-fight veteran Alves.
Said Nurmagomedov vs Muin Gafurov
Nurmagomedov, who is of no relation to UFC legend Khabib, kicks off the main card as he takes on Tajik bantamweight Gafurov. Nurmagomedov was on a four-fight winning streak before his loss to Jonathan Martinez in March whilst Gafurov is looking for his first UFC win after losing his promotional debut in June.
Preliminary card
Tim Elliott vs Muhammad Mokaev
Mohammad Yahya vs Trevor Peek
Javid Basharat vs Victor Henry
Abu Azaitar vs Sedriques Dumas
Mike Breeden vs Anshul Jubli
Nathaniel Wood vs Muhammad Naimov
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Victoria Dudakova vs Jinh Yu Frey
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Bruno Silva