What channel is UFC 294 on today? How to watch, buy Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 in Abu Dhabi

Daniel Yanofsky

What channel is UFC 294 on today? How to watch, buy Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 in Abu Dhabi image

Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski started 2023 on a high note, competing in five entertaining rounds for the UFC lightweight title. In the end, Makhachev successfully defended his belt against the UFC featherweight champion. On October 21 will be the rematch, which was put together at short notice to headline UFC 294 from the Etihad Arena. The event will air on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S.

When they first fought, the judges scored the contest 48-47 twice and 49-46, all in favor of Makhachev. It looked like a close fight due to Volkanovski working with Makhachev on the ground instead of quitting from the latter's efficient striking from the floor. Some scorecards even had Volkanovski as the victor.

Makhachev believes he did everything he needed to win in his first five-round fight and is ready to do it again.  

“Volkanovski, this is the hardest fight in my life,” Makhachev said on the latest UFC 294 Countdown video via MMA Mania. “Because for the first time in my life I fought five rounds. But I landed very hard punches. I took him down. I took his back. You have to ask him: what did you do to win this fight? Some people say the fight was close because they just saw the last minute. But, all people who understand MMA, they know I won by unanimous decision.”

WATCH: UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2, exclusively on ESPN+

Volkanovski returned to featherweight and defended his belt against Yair Rodriguez. He underwent hand surgery following that bout and is taking this fight on just 10 days' notice.

Per Bet MGM, Volkanovski is the +200 underdog. However, the Aussie is confident that he can become the latest UFC fighter to hold two belts simultaneously and is still interested in defending the featherweight title in January. 

Here's all you need to know about the fight and event, from channel, time, and card. 

How to watch UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2

Country Date Channel + Live Stream (main card)
United States Saturday, October 21 ESPN+, ESPN PPV
Canada Saturday, October 21 BELL, Rogers, Shaw, SaskTel,  Videotron, Telus, Eastlink, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass
United Kingdom Saturday, October 21 TNT Sports
Australia Sunday, October 22 Main Event, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass

MORE: How to bet on UFC 294

Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 PPV price: How much does UFC 294 cost? 

    In the U.S., the UFC 294 main card is available via pay-per-view on ESPN+, which also requires a subscription. The PPV price for UFC 292 is $79.99 for current subscribers. New subscribers can pay a bundle price of $134.98 for the UFC 294 pay-per-view and an ESPN+ annual subscription, which offers savings of more than 30 percent.

    WATCH: UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2, exclusively on ESPN+

    Product Prices
    ESPN+ Monthly Subscription $10.99/mo
    ESPN+ Annual Subscription $109.99/yr
    The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported $14.99/mo
    The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads $24.99/mo
    UFC PPV Standalone $79.99 each
    UFC PPV Package (UFC PPV & ESPN+ Annual) $134.98, then $109.99/year
    UFC PPV & The Disney Bundle

    $79.99, then $14.99/mo

    Click here to learn about the different pricing and bundling options with the ESPN+ platform.

    What time is UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2?

      UFC 294 begins at 10 a.m. ET with the prelims, with the main card at 2 p.m. ET. Makhachev and Volkanovski should make their way to the octagon around 5:15 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.

      Here's how that translates to different timezones globally:

      Region Date Prelims Start Time Main Card Start Time Main Event Start Time (approx.)
      USA and Canada (ET) Saturday, October 21 10 a.m. ET 2 p.m. ET 5:15 p.m. ET
      USA and Canada (PT) Saturday, October 21 7 a.m. PT 11 a.m. PT 2:15 p.m. PT
      UK and Ireland Saturday, October 21 3 p.m. BST 7 p.m. BST 10:15 p.m. BST
      Australia Sunday, October 22 12 a.m. AEST 4 a.m. AEST 7:15 a.m. AEST

      MORE: Breaking down Alexander Volkanovski's wild journey heading into UFC 294

      UFC 294 fight card

      Main card

      • Islam Makhachev (c) vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 for the UFC lightweight title
      • Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev; Middleweights
      • Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker; Light Heavyweights
      • Ikram Aliskerov vs. Warlley Alves; Middleweights
      • Said Nurmagomedov vs. Muin Gafurov; Bantamweights

      Prelims

      • Tim Elliott vs. Muhammad Mokaev; Flyweights
      • Mohammad Yahya vs. Trevor Peek; Lightweights
      • Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry; Bantamweights
      • Abu Azaitar vs. Sedriques Dumas; Middleweights
      • Mike Breeden vs. Anshul Jubli; Lightweights
      • Nathaniel Wood vs. Muhammad Naimov; Featherweights
      • Victoria Dudakova vs. Jinh Yu Frey; Strawweights
      • Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Bruno Silva; Middleweights

      Daniel Yanofsky