UFC 294 results, highlights: Islam Makhachev scores vicious KO of Alexander Volkanovski to retain title

In February, Islam Makhachev barely held on to his UFC lightweight championship when he was pushed to the brink and hurt late by featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The pair rematched in the main event of Saturday's UFC 294, and Makhachev made a big statement with a first-round knockout win to retain his title.

Volkanovski was stepping in on late notice after Makhachev's original opponent, Charles Oliveira, was forced out of the bout due to injury. Taking the fight on less than 10 days' notice was a big risk by Volkanovski to get a fight he'd wanted since Makhachev had his hand raised in their first meeting.

The two men battled in the clinch for much of the fight, with Makhachev seeming much more effective than the first fight. Makhachev was able to muscle Volkanovski around and land some good strikes, including knees to Volkanovski's head that drew blood early.

After they separated from the clinch, Makhachev landed a big head kick and a flurry of punches on the ground to force the stoppage at the 3:06 mark of the opening round.

UFC 294 Fight Card Results, Full Winners List

Volkanovski returned to 145 pounds for his next outing and defeated interim champion Yair Rodriguez by TKO in the third round of their title unification bout at UFC 290.

Islam Makhachev (c) def. Alexander Volkanovski via first-round TKO (head kick, punches)

Khamzat Chimaev def. Kamaru Usman via majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker ends in no contest (unintentional foul)

Ikram Aliskerov def. Warlley Alves via first-round TKO (knee, punches)

Said Nurmagomedov def. Muin Gafurov via first-round submission (guillotine

choke)

Muhammad Mokaev def. Tim Elliot via third-round submission (arm-triangle

choke)

Trevor Peek def. Mohammad Yahya via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Javid Basharat vs. Victor Henry ends in no contest (accidental groin strike)

Sedriques Dumas def. Abu Azaitar via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Mike Breeden def. Anshul Jubli via third-round knockout (punch)