UFC 294 will no longer include Charles Oliveira challenging Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship. According to multiple reports, Oliveira is out of the planned October event in Abu Dhabi.
Breaking: UFC 294 Loses Charles Oliveira In Main Event
According to multiple reports, Charles Oliveira is out of his planned lightweight title fight with Islam Makhachev set for UFC 294 this month.
The event is scheduled for October 21 from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Oliveira was looking to reclaim the title after losing to Makhachev at UFC 280 a year ago. The belt had been vacated by Oliveira after he missed weight for a previous title defend.
In the second round, Makhachev locked in an arm-triangle choke for the win. That card also took place from Abu Dhabi and generated an attendance of 13,400.
According to Carlos Contreras Legaspi, an MMA writer for ESPN, Makhachev is now expected to defend his title against Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch.
The 31-year-old Makhachev improved to 24-1 this past February with a decision win over Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion.
Makhachev has not lost since his second UFC appearance in 2015 when he was knocked out by Adriano Martins. His run includes wins over Nik Lentz, Drew Dober and Bobby Green.
Volkanovski unified the featherweight titles in July with a third round TKO over Yair Rodriguez. His only loss since his fourth MMA fight came to Makhachev.
UFC president Dana White has also confirmed the change in fight plans with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn.
UFC 294: Other Scheduled Fights
Other bouts planned for UFC 294 include Paulo Costa taking on Khamzat Chimaev, Magomed Ankalaev battling Johnny Walker and Said Nurmagomedov going up against Muin Gafurov.
