UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev created history last month by successfully defending his title for the third time in a grueling catch against Dustin Poirier. Shortly after, he expressed interest in moving up to the welterweight division. However, the UFC preferred him to defend his lightweight title a fourth time, targeting a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 308. Unfortunately, this rematch now seems to be off the table as Makhachev recently announced a hand ligament injury casting doubt on his return. Amidst this, Charles Oliveira sent a heartfelt message wishing Makhachev a speedy recovery.

An MMA outlet on X shared the news of Islam Makhachev’s injury. Charles Oliveira retweeted the post writing, “@MAKHACHEVMMA Hey man! I wish you a quick recovery. Get well soon! God bless you.” This showcases the sportsmanship between MMA fighters, which is rarely seen. Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev fought at UFC 280, where Makhachev emerged victorious via submission in the second round.

They later were scheduled to rematch at UFC 294, but Oliveira had to pull out because of a cut above his eye. Alexander Volkanovski stepped in as a short-notice replacement. However, Islam Makhachev is also no less than expressing sportsmanship. In May, when Charles Oliveira hinted at moving to the welterweight division to fight Colby Covington, Makhachev reached out to Oliveira to offer him help in preparing for Covington’s heavy wrestling style by coming to Dagestan to train with him.

Though delighted by Makhachev’s offer, Oliveira lightly turned it down, expressing his desire to continue at Chute Boxe. This retweeted post caught the attention of fans, showcasing Charles Oliveira’s commendable sportsmanship towards his opponent. Additionally, some fans suggested potential new opponents for the fighter in the comments.

Fans demanded Oliveira-Makhachev rematch

In the comments, fans praised the commendable act of Charles Oliveira, who, despite being defeated by Makhachev once, showed no signs of animosity outside the Octagon. A fan wrote, “Respectful and classy as always, that’s the champ in my heart still.” Meanwhile, another UFC viewer expressed their desire to see Charles Oliveira defeat Colby Covington in their potential fight, commenting, “You will retire Colby next.”

Additionally, a fan who still hadn’t recovered from UFC 294 expressed their desire to see the channeled fight between Makhachev and Oliveira, “I still wanna see the rematch!” However, there was also a social media user who wanted to see Arman Tsarukyan vs Charles Oliveira for the interim title until Makhachev returns. They fought back in April at the historic UFC 300, where Oliveira was defeated by a spit decision, “Tell the UFC to have a rematch against Tsarukyan for the interim belt.”

Echoing the same sentiment, a person wrote, “We need to see a rematch again.” Meanwhile, a fan praised the gentlemanly act of Charles Oliveira, saying, “Look at my goat Charles Man always a nice guy!” Another UFC viewer chimed in with strong words, calling Islam Makhachev a lion and expressing a desire for a rematch between him and Charles Oliveira: “I would love a rematch between you two charles, a wounded lion is still a lion.”

This sentiment of sportsmanship was echoed throughout the comments. What are your thoughts on Charles Oliveira’s well wishes to Islam Makhachev? Let us know in the comments.