UFC 294: Kamaru Usman set for Chimaev test in co-main event

Former UFC Welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, will get a chance to redeem himself in a different division when he faces Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.

The Nigerian Nightmare, Usman, was demystified by Leon Edwards over two fights in the last year, losing both at UFC 278 and UFC 286.

This time, Usman will come up against Chimaev after accepting to face him on 11 days notice, an incredibly short notice. The Nigerian aims to become a double champion, with the fight taking place in the Middleweight division.

Chimaev was meant to face Paulo Costa, but an elbow surgery ruled out the challenger, and Usman opted to take his place. The fight will take place on Saturday as the co-main event at the Etihad Centre.

The main event sees a rematch between Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and former champion Alexander Volkanovski. The Dagestani fighter Makhachev defeated Volkanovski earlier this year at UFC 284 to become champion of the division.

Like Chimaev, Makhachev saw his opponent pull out of the fight due to injury, with a replacement arranged hastily. He was due to face Charles Oliveira, but an eye injury ruled him out of the fight. Volkanovski will be out to reclaim his title from Makhachev in the fight.