Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski (right)(image credit UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Ever since Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski fought this past February, there’s been talk about if and when the two will battle again. Well, as it turns out, the stars are going to fight for a second time at UFC 294.

Recently, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Makhachev’s original opponent for Octobre 21st, Charles Oliveira, has withdrawn from the fight due to a large cut he incurred in sparring. The featherweight champ Volkanovski, has agreed to step up on short notice to fight the lightweight champion.

Volkanovski (26-2) challenged Makhachev (24-1) at UFC 284 earlier this year, and lost the competitive fight by unanimous decision. Makhachev has not competed since that bout, while Volkanovski stopped Yair Rodriguez in round three at UFC 290 this past July.

UFC 294 is taking place in Abu Dhabi.