UFC 294: Dana White On Islam Makhachev’s Potential Next Opponent

Islam Makhachev defended his UFC lightweight title with a statement-making first-round knockout win over UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in the main event of UFC 294. The stunning head-kick knockout came at the 3:06 mark of the first stanza. The win earned Makhachev his third straight fight-night bonus award.

After the UFC 294 pay-per-view fight card, which took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view, UFC CEO Dana White was asked about what made more sense for Makhachev’s next title defense. The UFC boss was given the options of former interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje or Makhachev’s original opponent for UFC 294, ex-UFC lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira.