UFC 294 Review, Rating, Key Points, Analysis And Impression

The much-anticipated UFC 294 event, held on October 21, 2023, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, brought an array of surprises, impressive performances, and questionable decisions. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the preliminary and main card fights, providing insights, key takeaways, analysis, and an overall impression of this memorable evening.

Rating: 7/10

To kick things off, let’s start with an overall rating of the event. UFC 294 was a mixed bag, offering both exhilarating highs and perplexing lows. While it provided some intense and memorable fights, it wasn’t without its disappointments. The main event, in particular, left something to be desired, and several questionable decisions by the judges added to the uncertainty. Hence, a rating of 7 out of 10 seems fitting for this rollercoaster of an event.

Preliminary Card Highlights

Shara Magomedov vs. Bruno Silva:

The preliminary card kicked off with an exciting bout between Shara Magomedov and Bruno Silva. Magomedov emerged victorious with a unanimous decision (30-27 all) after displaying superior skills and control throughout the match.

Victoria Dudakova vs. Jinh Yu Frey:

In another unanimous decision (29-28 all), Victoria Dudakova secured a well-earned win against Jinh Yu Frey. This closely contested fight showcased the depth of talent in the UFC’s strawweight division.

Muhammadjon Naimov vs. Nathaniel Wood:

Muhammadjon Naimov’s technical prowess earned him a unanimous decision win (29-28 all) over Nathaniel Wood. Both fighters demonstrated skill and determination in a closely contested battle.

Mike Breeden vs. Anshul Jubli:

Mike Breeden electrified the crowd with a third-round KO victory over Anshul Jubli at 3:00 in Round 3. Breeden’s striking skills were on full display as he delivered a stunning finish.

Sedriques Dumas vs. Abu Azaitar:

Sedriques Dumas secured a unanimous decision win (29-28 all) against Abu Azaitar in a well-rounded performance. This fight was a testament to Dumas’ versatility in the octagon.

Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry:

The clash between Javid Basharat and Victor Henry resulted in a no contest at 0:15 in Round 2, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a rematch. The brief encounter showcased the unpredictable nature of MMA.

Trevor Peek vs. Mohammad Yahya:

Trevor Peek outperformed Mohammad Yahya in a unanimous decision victory (29-28, 30-27, 30-27). Peek’s striking skills and cage control earned him a dominant win.

Muhammad Mokaev vs. Tim Elliott:

In a thrilling battle, Muhammad Mokaev secured a victory via arm triangle at 3:03 of Round 3 over Tim Elliott. This grappling masterclass displayed Mokaev’s potential as a rising star in the flyweight division.

Main Card Highlights

Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov:

The main card opened with Said Nurmagomedov swiftly locking in a guillotine submission at 1:13 of Round 1 to defeat Muin Gafurov. Nurmagomedov’s grappling skills were on full display in this quick and impressive win.

Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves:

Ikram Aliskerov delivered a memorable performance, earning a TKO victory over Warlley Alves at 2:07 of Round 1. The fight displayed Aliskerov’s striking abilities and aggressiveness in the octagon.

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker:

The bout between Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker ended in a no contest at 3:13 of Round 1 due to an unfortunate interruption. This stoppage left fans craving a conclusive resolution to this intriguing matchup.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman:

The co-main event witnessed an unexpected upset as Khamzat Chimaev overcame the reigning welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, in a majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28). Chimaev’s relentless attack and ground skills were pivotal in this remarkable victory, signaling a new era in the welterweight division.

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski:

The main event featured a rematch between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski. Makhachev displayed his dominance by securing a first-round KO at 3:06, retaining his UFC Lightweight Championship. This stunning finish solidified Makhachev’s status as one of the premier lightweights in the world.

Controversial Calls

Despite the thrilling fights, UFC 294 was not without its share of controversy. In the co-main event between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev, some questioned whether the referee should have stopped the fight earlier in the second round when Chimaev was in a dominant position, landing punches.

Another point of contention arose in the bout between Ikram Aliskerov and Warlley Alves, as some believed the judges should have scored the fight in favor of Alves due to his takedowns and ground control.

Overall Impression

UFC 294 provided a mix of excitement and controversy. The event showcased promising talents and established stars, with several memorable moments etched in MMA history. Khamzat Chimaev’s upset victory over Kamaru Usman marked one of the most significant upsets in UFC history, further highlighting the unpredictability of the sport.

However, the night was not without its share of controversies, including questionable referee decisions and disputed judge’s scores. These incidents underscored the need for continued improvement in officiating and scoring criteria in the UFC.

 UFC 294 will be remembered for its thrilling matchups, unexpected outcomes, and the rise of new contenders. MMA fans can eagerly anticipate what the future holds for the sport as these fighters continue their journeys towards greatness.