UFC 294: Oliveira Out, Makhachev vs Volkanowski II Main Event

ByVipin Raghuwanshi
Alexander Volkanovski UFC

UFC has been forced to change the main event of UFC 294 PPV with just 10 to go.

Charles Oliveira was supposed to challenge Islam Makhachev for UFC Lightweight Championship in the main event of UFC 294. This was supposed to be a rematch between them from UFC 280 event last year.

However, UFC President Dana White announced in the press conference of Dana White Contender Series season 2023 finale that Oliveira has pulled out of the bout. He split his eyebrow during sparring last night which required stitches to be fixed. He will not be medically cleared in time to face Makhachev.

White also announced that featherweight king Alexander Volkanowski will challenge Islam Makhachev for UFC Lightweight Championship. Volkanowski failed to beat Volkanowski at UFC 284 earlier this year in February in Perth, Australia. That loss was Volkanowski’s first loss in UFC and it ended his 22-fights unbeaten streak.

Volkanowski has since defeated Yair Rodriguez to unify UFC Featherweight Championship. He was in talks to face Ilja Topuria next in January 2024. However, as the opportunity has arisen, Volkanowski will now get another shot at the 155 lbs title. He was recovering from an arm injury which required a surgery in July this year, but was out of training for just 6 weeks.

Islam Makhachev is on a 12-fights unbeaten run and won the lightweight title at UFC 280 by beating Oliveira. His only title defense so far came against Volkanowski at UFC 284.

UFC 294 is set to take place on October 21, 2023, at Yes Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

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