One of India’s leading broadcaster, Sony Sports Network will bring all the world-class Mixed Martial Arts action of UFC 294 LIVE from the Etihad Arena, on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
The event is set to be an historic affair headlined by the UFC lightweight championship in which current UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will take on UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for the second time. Volkanovski steps in on short notice in a rematch that follows their epic clash from earlier this year at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, where Makhachev defeated Volkanovski via unanimous decision.
In the co-main event, UFC fans will be treated to a spectacular clash of two well-known middleweights as former UFC champion Kamaru Usman steps in to face surging contender Khamzat Chimaev.
UFC 294 is stacked with compelling storylines: a light heavyweight bout between top contenders Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker; middleweight prospect Ikram Aliskerov welcomes back Warlley Alves to the division; and Said Nurmagomedov and Muin Gafurov will battle to earn a top-15 bantamweight ranking.
UFC 294 holds immense significance for UFC in India as India’s very own Anshul Jubli makes his UFC debut. Anshul, born and trained in Uttarakhand, became the top MMA prospect in India by winning the ROAD TO UFC tournament in 2022. His signing to UFC instantly raised the profile of India in the sport of MMA. Anshul will be looking to add another victory to his flawless record of seven wins and zero losses when he faces Mike Breeden in a lightweight bout on the early prelim card.
Commenting on it, Anshul Jubli, Indian UFC Athlete, said: “I am excited for my UFC debut bout and will be looking to put in a stellar performance against Mike Breeden who is a challenging opponent. I have been preparing for this moment all my life and have been tirelessly working towards it. Even now, it seems like a dream. I believe I was built for this, and have put in a lot of hours perfecting my craft, but it still feels surreal.”
”I do understand that I am representing India in the UFC and the crucial role I can play in popularizing the sport in our country. I also understand that aspiring combat sports athletes will look to me as a role model,” he added.
Sony Sports Network’s coverage for UFC 294 will be kicked off by their flagship studio show before the event, the Ultimate Guide to UFC 294, which features experts Somesh Kamra and Arjun Chipalkatti.
The broadcast starts at 7:30 pm IST with a pre-show leading up to Anshul Jubli’s bout. There will also be a review show of Anshul’s bout where the experts will analyze the bout in depth, and provide technical insights into the results. The show will then lead into the Main Card that begins at 11:30 pm IST.