Off the back of his stunning victory at UFC 294 last month, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has opened as a massive betting favorite to successfully defend his championship in a potential fight with former interim champion, Justin Gaethje in the future.
Makhachev, the undisputed lightweight champion under the banner of the organization, headlined UFC 294 last month in a reworked main event clash with featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, stopping the Australian with a stunning first round high-kick knockout in the pair’s title rematch.
The Russian was initially scheduled to headline the Abu Dhabi, UAE event against former titleholder, Charles Oliveira in a title rematch, however, a nasty laceration suffered by the Brazilian just 10 days’ out from the bout forced the Sao Paulo finisher from his championship rematch with Islam Makhachev.