In today’s MMA news, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski held their pre-fight presser ahead of their rematch at UFC 294 on October 21st, 2023.

The duo’s first fight ended in a unanimous-decision win for Makhachev at UFC 284 in February in a decision that divided the MMA community.

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Face to face once again!! 🔥@MakhachevMMA and @AlexVolkanovski run it back for the lightweight title SATURDAY at #UFC294!

[ 2pmET / 11amPT | Live on ESPN+ PPV | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/IhI0JfYaOf

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

However, the opportunity to run things back arose when Charles Oliveira pulled out of his rematch with Makhachev due to an injury.

Oliveira suffered from cuts under the eye during a sparring session, which required stitching. And given the lack of adequate time for it to heal, Volkanovski stepped up to the plate to try and grab the lightweight title.

This fight can’t come sooner 🙌@Usman84kg meets @KChimaev THIS SATURDAY at #UFC294!

[ 2pmET / 11amPT | Live on ESPN+ PPV | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/92oRAZ2NqP

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

In chief support, Kamaru Usman takes on Khamzat Chimaev after Paulo Costa pulled out. The latter was ruled out after being declared medically not well enough to compete due to an Staphylococcus infection.

As a result, Usman stepped in with less than two weeks to go. With that being said, here were the key quotes from the presser.

Quotes

bring on Saturday 🔥🔥 #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/I6PGHSRawy

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

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The tables have turned in Abu Dhabi!@MakhachevMMA looking forward to having the crowd behind him at #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/i6y88CQPAQ

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

Volkanovski is ready to avenge his loss Saturday at #UFC294 👀 pic.twitter.com/XH8PpSRmYx

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

Short notice or not, there won't be any quit from the featherweight champ at #UFC294! pic.twitter.com/kS9hAFKrgo

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

The lightweight champ is coming to make a statement in Saturday's rematch 👀 #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/HqMudshttz

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

Ready to test each other's will!

Usman and Chimaev won't be taking backwards steps at #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/lYiNNmAgqR

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

"When it comes to mixing it up, I'm the best in the world"@Usman84kg bringing ALL of his tools to #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/psiTQ4zdcB

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023

Not much respect between these two!

Khamzat calling Usman's record into question ahead of #UFC294 pic.twitter.com/aXzjByhgpy

— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2023