UFC 294: Predicting the lineup for the October fight in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: (RAHNUMA) UFC 294 will kick off the all-conquering mixed martial arts promotion in Abu Dhabi on October 21.

The event will mark the finale of the current five-year deal between the UFC and the UAE capital.

Another partnership may be announced before the fists are shaken in anger at the Etihad Arena, but like previous sold-out shows, UFC 294 is expected to be one of the most talked about cards of the year.

As of now, no games have been officially announced, but there is sure to be a title fight or two. Here are some possible scenarios for the latest matchup in Abu Dhabi.

Islam Makhachev defends his lightweight title

Dagestanians have fond memories of fighting in Abu Dhabi. He took the lightweight title from Charles Oliveira at UFC 280, and his dominance had the crowd at the Etihad Arena on their feet.

Similar to Khabib Nurmagomedov before him, Islam Makhachev has a large following in the UAE, and it won’t be a surprise to see him come out on top at UFC 294.

It makes sense that there are currently no natural challengers from the lightweight division. Oliveira (No. 1) faces Beniel Dariusz (No. 4) on May 5, while Dustin Poirier (No. 2) and Justin Gaethje (No. 3) No matches are currently scheduled.

The most likely option is to arrange another superfight between Makhachev and current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovsky. Makhachev may have won the Aussies by unanimous decision in February, but this fight is his toughest test yet. Makhachev vs. Volkanovski Part 2 will be a headline-worthy duel. But for Makhachev, there might be a surprise in the mix. More on that in the future.

Khamzat Chimaev finally fights

For various reasons, the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev hadn’t played since September when the Ragdoll knocked out Kevin Holland and beat him in three minutes. His bogey status at welterweight appears to have had an impact on the potential matchup.

If the Chechen-born boxer is to be believed, he has been shunned by Colby Covington (No. 2) and most middleweights.

One thing is for sure, he wants to fight in Abu Dhabi.

Chimaev told “The MMA Hour”: “There will be a big show in Abu Dhabi in October—for me, it’s like homeland. I love that place. It feels good there.”

his goal? The current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards. While that’s what many fans want, it’s unlikely the British boxer will be willing to climb back into the octagon so soon after his victory over Kamaru Usman in March.

Chimaev will play barring any injuries. Who he fights with is another question entirely.

Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill for light heavyweight title

Jiri Prochazka had to give up the light heavyweight belt after suffering a shoulder injury that a UFC doctor said was the “worst” he had ever seen.

The always entertaining Czech fighter had to sit on the sidelines to watch Jamahar Hill overcome Glover Teixeira for the vacant title. Prochazka is still recovering, but told MMA Fighting that “it (the injury) is much better than people expected” as he aims to return in the summer.

However, given the nature of the injury, it may take a little longer, and Prochazka vs. Hill could be the second title fight on the UFC 294 card.

The return of Conor McGregor

It’s a vision that will take an incredible series of events to achieve, but a Conor McGregor fight at UFC 294 isn’t out of the question. Unlikely, of course, but there is a chance.

McGregor has been out of the Octagon for the past two years. A broken leg and then a role in the upcoming “Road House” movie reboot delayed the return of the UFC’s biggest draw. His next fight will be against lightweight Michael Chandler.

The pair are currently rival coaches on the “Ultimate Fighter” TV show, which will end with a duel between the two. The fight could take place as early as August, leaving little time to recover and recuperate before UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.

But, it’s a big challenge, and if the Irishman can easily beat Chandler and escape unscathed, a title fight with Makhachev is possible.

It wouldn’t be fair to fighters who have been active in the division, but had McGregor at the front of the line, breaking various UFC PPV records for Makhachev’s belt shot. Strange things happened.