The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to pay-per-view this weekend with UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with a champion vs. champion main event after a handful of last-minute shakeups on the card
In the main event, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev returns to action to put his title on the line in a rematch with featherweight titleholder Alexander Volkanovski.
Makhachev previously faced Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February 2023 in Perth, Australia, earning a unanimous decision victory to retain his title in the Fight of the Night. Now, Volkanovski will be looking for revenge on short notice after replacing former champion Charles Oliveira who was forced to withdraw due to injury.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev makes his highly-anticipated return when he takes on former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a middleweight bout. Chimaev was initially scheduled to face former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa, who withdrew from the bout after undergoing elbow surgery. Chimaev vs. Usman is expected to serve as a middleweight title eliminator.
Ahead of this weekend’s event, the UFC uploaded its behind-the-scenes YouTube series UFC Embedded to give you an up-close look at what the fighters go through on fight week as they make their final preparations for Saturday night.
How can you tune in to see how fighters are training leading up to fight week?
Below is all of the information you will need leading up to the fight, including every episode of UFC 294 Embedded.
UFC 294 Embedded: Episode 1
Khamzat Chimaev and foe Kamaru Usman are all systems go – as usual. Champ Alexander Volkanovski reacts to a surprise second chance. Johnny Walker looks to make a statement; Usman packs like a pro. Champ Islam Makhachev trains with legend Khabib.
UFC 294 Embedded: Episode 2
Champ Alexander Volkanovski shares his motivation. Johnny Walker makes animal friends. Khamzat Chimaev goes hard in S&C. Magomed Ankalaev and Said Nurmagomedov train together. Kamaru Usman arrives on short notice. Champ Islam Makhachev plays soccer.
UFC 294 Embedded: Episode 3
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski arrives in Abu Dhabi. Lightweight champ Islam Makhachev melds basketball with Sambo. Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev do intense workouts, then have a virtual sitdown with Chael Sonnen.
UFC 294 Embedded: Episode 4
Champ Alexander Volkanovski supports a teammate. Johnny Walker gets in a sweat. Champ Usman Nurmagomedov visit’s Khabib’s new gym. At media day, Kamaru Usman reveals his motivation and Khamzat Chimaev challenges a heavyweight.
UFC 294 Embedded: Episode 5
Johnny Walker has fun in the sun. Champs Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski do open workouts; so do middleweights Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev. Usman enjoys his island digs. Makhachev and Belal Muhammad train; foes face off on stage.
UFC 294 Embedded: Episode 6
Khamzat Chimaev cuts kilos with a starstruck Jon Anik. Athletes make weight in the morning, then face off for fans one last time before UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2, with Kamaru Usman v. Chimaev and Magomed Ankalaev vs Johnny Walker.
UFC 294: Fight Time & Viewing Details
Event: UFC 294: Makhachev vs Volkanovski 2
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Venue: Etihad Arena
Main Card Card Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Pay-per-view, ESPN+
