UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is set to defend his title against former champ Charles Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch. Get all the details on this thrilling showdown.
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev Set for Rematch Against Charles Oliveira
In a highly anticipated showdown, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is gearing up to defend his title against former champ Charles Oliveira. The rematch is scheduled to take place in the main event of UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi, according to UFC president Dana White.
Makhachev, ranked No. 2 in the world pound-for-pound by ESPN, will face off against Oliveira, who holds the No. 6 spot. This will be a rematch of their previous encounter at UFC 280, where Makhachev secured a victory by submitting Oliveira in the second round to claim the then-vacant UFC lightweight title.
The 24-1 Makhachev is coming off a unanimous-decision win over featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 in February. With an impressive record of 12 consecutive wins, all within the UFC, Makhachev has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.
A long-time training partner and student of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev has proven himself to be a formidable competitor. His upcoming bout against Oliveira is expected to be a thrilling clash between two highly skilled fighters.
On the other side, Oliveira, with a record of 34-9, 1 NC, is coming off a first-round TKO victory against Beneil Dariush at UFC 289. This win set the stage for the rematch with Makhachev. Oliveira previously claimed the lightweight title in May 2021 by defeating Michael Chandler. However, due to a weight miss in May 2022 before his fight with Justin Gaethje, Oliveira was stripped of the belt.
Oliveira holds an impressive UFC record, with the most finishes (20) and submission wins (16) in the history of the organization. Known for his exceptional grappling skills, Oliveira will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge to Makhachev’s title reign.
There was speculation that Makhachev could face Volkanovski in an immediate rematch following Volkanovski’s dominant title defense against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290. However, the UFC ultimately chose Oliveira as the top contender for this highly anticipated matchup.
Fans and MMA enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the clash between Makhachev and Oliveira, as both fighters possess exceptional skills and a strong desire to claim the lightweight championship. With their previous encounter ending in a submission victory for Makhachev, Oliveira will be looking for redemption and an opportunity to reclaim the title.
Stay tuned for more updates on UFC 294 and the highly anticipated rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira.
reference: www.espn.com
