UFC fans were met with unexpected news today when it was revealed that Charles Oliviera, who was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev in the main event at UFC 294, has been forced to withdraw.
The unforeseen change has added an unexpected twist to the event’s narrative. However, fans are eagerly speculating how the bout will unfold. The promotion roped in Makhachev’s former foe, as replacement for the title clash.
Why did Charles Oliviera pull out of UFC 294 main event?
The reason for the sudden change is a significant cut Oliviera sustained on his eyebrow during a training session. The news of Oliviera’s injury has left many fans disappointed. The bout was shaping up to be one of the most awaited clashes of the year.
Oliviera took to social media to express his disappointment in pulling out of UFC 294. The former lightweight champion assured that he will be back very soon to reclaim the title. UFC 294 was already billed with Oliviera’s iconic phrase, ‘The champion has a name.’ The Brazilian’s demeanor was sad in the video as he repeatedly apologized to the fans.
Stepping up to fill the void left by Oliviera’s withdrawal is Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski, the featherweight champion will now face Islam Makhachev in a rematch of UFC 284 in Perth, Australia as per Marca. There is disappointment surrounding Oliviera’s absence. However, the excitement for the Makhachev-Volkanovski fight continues to build up.
UFC 294 is still expected to be a stellar event and the co-main event of Paulo Costa vs. Khamzat Chimaev is also massive. The event also missed a highly anticipated clash between Ikram Aliskerov and Nassourdine Imavov. Imavoc suffered an injury and was replaced by Warlley Alves.
Dana White talks on Charles Oliviera’s injury
UFC CEO, Dana White confirmed the news earlier today after it was leaked by the team of “Do Bronx”. He expressed disappointment over the development but emphasized the importance of fighter safety.
In a recent presser of the Contender Series, White shed light on the circumstances that led to Charles Oliviera’s sudden withdrawal from the highly anticipated title bout against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. More than the injury, White was unhappy with the Brazilian team for the way they dealt with the news regarding the injury.
Addressing the media, White confirmed that Oliviera sustained a significant injury during a sparring session in Brazil. Dana White explained that the severity of the cut, along with concerns about it reopening during the fight, was a prime reason for the decision. The UFC CEO also said that if the UFC had been informed of it, they might have used superior medical stitching to shorten the recuperating time.
Charles Oliviera, after his victory at UFC 289 over Beneil Dariush, was reluctant to fight in Abu Dhabi citing home advantage for Makhachev and other reasons. However, the promotion ultimately made the deal, much to the excitement of the MMA community. Nevertheless, Dana White was pretty much happy to see Alexander Volkanovski taking the fight. He praised the fighters from the City Kickboxing gym, especially Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya for their ‘BMF’ level attitude towards fighting.
Will Alexander Volkanovsi defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 294? When will Charles Oliviera come back? Comment below!
