The highly anticipated UFC 294 card has fallen apart in the last few hours and it all started with Charles Oliveira. A few hours earlier, reports emerged alleging that the former champion had pulled out of the bout due to an injury. Unfortunately for fans, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news later at the Contender Series press conference. Replacements are already in place as Alexander Volkanovski will fly in to face the lightweight champion for the second time this year, albeit on 11 days’ notice this time.

Charles Oliveira put together wins against elites of the division like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. This led to him claiming and defending his lightweight title, but he lost the belt due to a weight miss against Gaethje at UFC 274. He attempted to reclaim his title against the surging Islam Makhachev at UFC 280. But came up short and lost via arm triangle in the 2nd round. Nevertheless, he had set his sights on redemption by agreeing to face Makhachev again at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21. But the fight has now fallen through due to reports of an injury sustained by Oliveira. Recently, images of the injury were shared online and fans are stunned at the horrific nature of it.

Charles Oliveira and his injury before UFC 294 has left fans in shock

UFC 294 was poised to be a highlight among the year’s pay-per-view events. Stacked with fan-favorite matchups, including Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa, anticipation ran high. However, the recent announcements of Oliveira and Costa’s withdrawals have left fans pondering the fate of the card.

The revelation of Oliveira’s injury initially came to light through the Overdogs podcast. Dana White confirmed this development on his Instagram story, shedding light on the injury’s origin. White conveyed that Oliveira suffered the gash during sparring sessions. The image of the injury promptly spread across social media, eliciting various reactions from fans.

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Some fans were displeased at the nature of the injury and wanted Oliveira to fight regardless.

While others were horrified at the severity of the cut.

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And many fans were concerned about Oliveira and his future.

Yet, there remains a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as reports suggest that UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is set to replace Oliveira and face Makhachev. This unexpected turn comes after Mateusz Gamrot, another lightweight contender, had already been named as a backup for the fight.

Alexander Volkanovski has stepped in to save UFC 294

Previously, all indications pointed to Volkanovski defending his belt at UFC 297 in January against Ilia Topuria. However, it appears that these plans will be postponed. As the Australian champion embarks on his second bid to become a two-division UFC champion.

White confirmed that the promotion had been eyeing the Volkanovski vs. Topuria matchup before the shakeup at UFC 294. And hinted at the possibility of a new headliner for the winter event. White added that Mateusz Gamrot, recently confirmed as the backup fighter for Oliveira vs. Makhachev, was once a potential replacement. Although he did not reveal more about why Gamrot was not selected.

With Makhachev vs. Volkanovski 2 now taking the headliner spot, lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot remains in reserve. Just in case unforeseen developments occur before October 14. The event is slated to unfold at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Do you think Alexander Volkanovski can secure a win against Islam Makhachev in the rematch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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