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UFC 294 is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Here's a look at a few fighters who can be expected to compete on the card in October 2023.
UFC 294 potential headliner: Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev headlined the card at UFC 280 when the promotion last traveled to Abu Dhabi in October 2022. The lightweight champion claimed the title in that bout and has already defended it once since then.
Makhachev does not currently have a fight scheduled and could easily wait until UFC 294 for his second title defense. Furthermore, the No.3-ranked pound-for-pound fighter does not have a clear opponent, as No.2-ranked Dustin Poirier is the only top-five lightweight without a fight.
By the time UFC 294 rolls around, however, the lightweight title picture should receive some clarity. No.3-ranked Justin Gaethje will face No.6-ranked Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 this weekend, while No.1-ranked Charles Oliveira will face No.4-ranked Beneil Dariush at UFC 288 in May. Regardless of his opponent, expect to see Makhachev in the main event of UFC 294.
The return of a former champion
Jiri Prochazka was set to defend his light heavyweight title for the first time at UFC 282. However, a shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from the bout. To avoid holding up the division, the No.1-ranked light heavyweight vacated the title.
UFC president Dana White has already shared that Prochazka will receive a title opportunity in his return fight. While his recovery time was expected to be 12 months, the former light heavyweight champion claimed he is ahead of schedule.
While Prochazka could certainly return before October to face light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, the safe bet is that the latter will have to defend his belt before facing the former champion.
There hasn't been much news as to Hill's first title defense. However, regardless of who is holding the belt, having Prochazka as the co-main event makes plenty of sense.
An undefeated welterweight contender
There are currently two undefeated contenders in the top six of the welterweight rankings. While the hope among fans is that Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov will face each other, the bout likely won't happen until further down the line, if at all.
While the news may be disappointing to fans, expect one, if not both, of the highly-touted welterweights to fight on the Abu Dhabi card in what could lead to a title opportunity.
