UFC 294 Betting Odds revealed: Usman vs Chimaev, Makhachev vs Volkanovski

This week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for UFC fans. Firstly, UFC 294’s headlining bout in Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira was canceled, and later we saw the co-main event of the same card fall through when Paulo Costa was pulled from his clash with Khamzat Chimaev.

In typical Dana White fashion, he and his UFC team fixed the event by making a deal to save the two fights. Long-reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will step in to save the main event, while former welterweight king Kamaru Usman will be the replacement matchup for ‘Borz’.

As the new bouts were announced, the opening odds had the two replacement fighters at a disadvantage. Understandably, the oddsmakers expected both Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev to come out on top.

UFC 294 Opening Odds

Alexander Volkanovski +210 (21/10)
Islam Makhachev -250 (2/5)
Kamaru Usman +250 (5/2)
Khamzat Chimaev -300 (1/3)

While it will be tough for both Makhachev and Chimaev to adjust to facing a completely different style of opponent, it’s arguably far more challenging for newcomers Volkanovski and Usman who weren’t scheduled to fight on October 21.

Since the opening odds dropped, there have been slight changes. The odds are beginning to favor the Australian a little more than previously, whilst they seem to have lost some faith in Usman’s chances.

UFC 294 Current Odds

Alexander Volkanovski +205 (41/20)
Islam Makhachev -240 (5/12)
Kamaru Usman +300 (3/1)
Khamzat Chimaev -400 (1/4)

Make sure to keep up to date with the UFC 294 betting odds provided by BetOnline.

Related: Charles Oliveira speaks out on UFC 294 title fight withdrawal

What forced the changes to the UFC 294 card?

In what was a disappointing turn of events, news broke yesterday that Charles Oliveira was ineligible to compete at UFC 294. This was caused by a gruesome cut he suffered in training just one day before his planned flight to Abu Dhabi.

Bad news only followed as Paulo Costa’s blockbuster showcase against the returning Khamzat Chimaev was in jeopardy of being canceled. This turned out to be true when Dana White announced Kamaru Usman would be stepping in to fight on 10 days’ notice.

‘Borrachinha’ still wanted to make the walk to the octagon later this month but doctors advised against it. He had surgery just weeks ago and will not be able to get medical clearance for the bout.