Alexander Volkanovski suffers HORRIFIC cuts as he’s brutally KO’d by Islam Makhachev head kick at UFC 294
ALEXANDER VOLKANOVSKI was left with two horrific cuts after being knocked out by Islam Makhachev.
The dominant featherweight champion renewed his rivalry with his lightweight counterpart on Saturday night in the main event of UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
The Aussie's bid to exact revenge on the lightweight king fell on its face in the first round as he was knocked out by a brutal head kick.
Makhachev targeted the inside leg of Volk for most of the round before deciding to go up high with great success.
His shin rattled and split open the eyebrow of Volkanovski, who fell to the canvas after wobbling on his feet.
Makhachev didn't waste the golden opportunity, unloading vicious ground and pound on the bloodied Volk to close out the show.
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Volkanovski, 35, had two gaping cuts as he rose to his feet, with a horror-movie-like wound on his right eyebrow seeping blood.
The UFC's former pound-for-pound king Volkanovski cut a dejected figure after as he watched Makhachev have his hand raised.
But he was quick to give the Dagestani his props, saying: "It was a great set-up.
"A good kick. [They] probably seen something. Obviously, it's hard - I don't like losing.
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"But he's a great champion. What do you do? I back myself every single time. "
"And I still stand by that, back yourself. Islam is one man that you don't want to back yourself against if you don't prepare properly.
"Because look at what he can do to you. Credit to him."
Volk is eyeing a quick turnaround against surging featherweight contender Ilia Topuria in January.
He said: "I just want to say to the UFC, please keep me busy.
"I don't do well when I'm not fighting. I needed to take this fight because I was doing my head in not fighting.
"So please keep me busy. I'm happy to go back in January.
"Obviously, get this taken care of and obviously go back down to featherweight.
"Obviously, my job here is done for now. Again, credit to Islam. Great kick. What do I say?"
