Makhachev to face Oliveira in UFC 294 in a title rematch

Islam Makhachev’s upcoming title defense is no longer unknown.

Islam Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 294, Dana White announced. pic.twitter.com/cnTOSZ7AMH

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 20, 2023

The UFC lightweight champ will defend his title vs. ex-champion Charles Oliveira in a rematch in the most important bout at the UFC 294 on October 21^st in Abu Dhabi; Dana White shared with the media.

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The last match between them was at UFC 280, where Islam submitted his Brazilian opponent in the 2^nd round to triumph with the then-vacant UFC lightweight belt.

Makhachev’s (24-1) last bout was a unanimous-decision victory against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284 at the beginning of the year. The Russian won 12 fights in a row, all in the UFC.

Islam is very close with the ex-longtime lightweight champ and undefeated in his whole MMA career Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira won against Beneil Dariush via a 1^st round TKO at UFC 289 in June to secure the rematch.