UFC 294: Charles Oliveira ruled out of lightweight title fight with Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkanovski steps in
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Published 11/10/2023 at 08:35 GMT
Alexander Volkanovski will come in to fight Islam Makhachev and headline UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21. Oliveira suffered a deep cut above his eye in sparring, and the Australian Volkanovski has now been drafted in to replace him. UFC president Dana White confirmed the news in a press conference, and had a few cursory words for the Oliveira camp after the way they dealt with the injury.
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski prepares for his fight against interim champion Yair Rodriguez during UFC 290 at T-Mobile Arena on July 08, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Volkanovski retained his title with a third-round TKO.
Image credit: Getty Images
Charles Oliveira has been ruled out of his scheduled rematch against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev due to a deep cut above his eye.
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will now enter the fray, as the two fighters headline the UFC 294 main event in Abu Dhabi on October 21.
Makhachev came out on top in the previous meeting between the pair at UFC 280, when he submitted Oliveira to take the title last October.
The Russian now takes on Volkanovski, in what will be their first clash since an epic bout at UFC 284 in February, when he came out on top via a unanimous decision.
Speaking in a press conference confirming the news, UFC president Dana White said: "Round five of sparring last night, he was supposed to jump on a plane today, but splits his eye wide open. He had it stitched up last night, but he can't fly out there with that.
“They didn't call us, we would have had him go to a plastic surgeon, who would have sewed it from the inside out and get that thing done the right way.
"These guys never call us like they should when something happens, they call us after it gets stitched up. But on the flip side, I can see him not wanting to risk it. Volkanovski then jumps in to accept the fight."
There seems to be unfinished business between Makhachev and Volkanovski, with many believing the latter did enough to claim victory in front of a home crowd last time out.
The Australian has been eager for a rematch ever since, and now has his wish. He has been kept busy in the meantime, though, and subsequently defended his 145-pound belt against interim featherweight champion Yair Rodriguez.
Makhachev has not fought since last facing Volkanovski in February, and will be hoping that history repeats itself again in the UAE, albeit against a different opponent.
Oliveira will be looking to quickly bounce back from this latest setback after already being forced to vacate the lightweight title for missing weight.
He knocked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, and went onto beat Beneil Dariush at UFC 289, proving his undoubted credentials in the division.
It is being reported that Oliveira will face the winner from Makhachev and Volkanovski, but a victory for the Australian would complicate matters.
A trilogy fight could materialise, while Gaethje could also enter the fray after his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 to claim the BMF title.
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