Charles Oliveira was looking to face Islam Makhachev for the 2 time at UFC 294 on October 21. ‘Do Bronxs’ had previously lost to Makhachev at UFC 280 in October of 2022. The Brazillian was set to avenge his loss and reclaim his place at the top of the lightweight division against Makhachev this month.

However, fans of the fighter will now have to wait. There have been reports that Oliveira will be out of UFC 294. But all hope isn’t lost as the UFC might be looking to replace him with another fighter that has a score to settle with Islam Makhachev!

Charles Oliveira is out of UFC 294 to make way for a champ vs. champ rematch

The news about Charles Oliveira’s withdrawal from UFC 294 was first reported by the OverDogs podcast. And the outlet has also stated that UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski will be stepping in to replace the Brazilian.

Volkanovski, who had faced Islam Makhachev at UFC 284 in February of this year, was aiming to claim another title in a different weight class. However, he lost the fight via a unanimous decision despite an impressive performance against the Dagestani champion.

Aaron Bronsteter and Mike Bohn have both also confirmed that Oliveira is out of the card and will be replaced with Alexander Volkanovski. According to Mike Bohn on Twitter/X, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Charles Oliveira is out of UFC 294. And that Volkanovski will be stepping in on short notice against Makhachev. The fight is set to be a champion vs champion rematch. And the lightweight title will still be on the line.

The idea of Volkanovski stepping in as a replacement not only adds a new dimension to the fight but also showcases the unpredictable nature of the MMA world. As reports have recently emerged that another fighter may also be out of the card at UFC 294!

UFC 294 loses Paulo Costa along with Oliveira

The matchup between Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 had fans buzzing with excitement. Both fighters have yet to make an appearance inside the Octagon in 2023. And with Sean Strickland’s massive upset over Israel Adesanya, the matchup was thought to be significant for the title picture at middleweight.

However, UFC CEO Dana White has revealed that the fight may be off. In the news conference at Dana White’s Contender Series 66, White stated that, “Yeah, it’s possible,” in response to a question regarding whether the Chimaev vs Costa bout is off. He also stated that fans will be informed “very soon” regarding the matchup and possible replacements.

Read More: “He Tried to Move the Fight” – Dana White and Co.’s Strong Arm Tactics Against Charles Oliveira Revealed by UFC 294 Rival Islam Makhachev

Paulo Costa had recently revealed that he had undergone surgery on his elbow. He posted gruesome images on his social media, revealing the extent of the injury. In an interview with the MMA Hour, Costa stated that he had undergone what he thought was a minor medical procedure on his elbow in Brazil. However, the condition of his elbow worsened after resuming training in Abu Dhabi.

He disclosed that initially, they believed the problem to be a staph infection. But doctors in Abu Dhabi diagnosed it as a more severe condition. And required immediate surgery on the elbow. With Costa and Oliveira both out of the card, fans will now be eagerly awaiting the champion versus champion rematch instead.

Do you think Alexander Volkanovski has what it takes to dethrone Islam Makhachev? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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