Belal Muhammad isn’t sold that Charles Oliveira truly wanted to fight at UFC 294.
Oliveira lost his bid to become a two-time UFC lightweight champion at UFC 280 in October 2022. He was submitted by Islam Makhachev inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The top Brazilian 155-pounder had a chance to avenge his loss to Makhachev at UFC 294, also taking place in Abu Dhabi on October 21. That opportunity was lost after “do Bronx” suffered a cut on his eyebrow during a sparring session. UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski will be replacing Oliveira.
Belal Muhammad Questions Charles Oliveira’s Motives Following UFC 294 Pullout
Taking to social media, top UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad shared his belief that ultimately, Charles Oliveira never wanted to fight Islam Makhachev on enemy territory a second time.
“Charles got what he wanted, he’s not fighting in Abu Dhabi,” Muhammad said. “As a fighter, you understand the game, right? The training is the hardest part, but the biggest fight of your life, the biggest rematch of your life, you get a cut 10 days before the fight on your eyebrow? Like, who are you training with, bro? I’ve been in the training room, I’ve seen it happen. Anthony Pettis, before his fight with Dustin Poirier, one week before he got split open. Eyebrow cut to the core, and I was like, ‘Why did this happen a week before the fight?’ The world didn’t know about it. Anthony got it surgically repaired, stitched up. It opened up in the fight, but he still went in there and fought. To me, Charles never wanted to go to Abu Dhabi. He never wanted to fight in enemy territory, as he said. He wanted it where he wanted it. Do I say he did it purposely? Who knows? But, he chose not to fight.”
Here is the full video of Belal Muhammad’s theory on Charles Oliveira’s UFC 294 removal:
Belal Muhammad claimed Charles Oliveira never wanted to fight at UFC 294 pic.twitter.com/5hRBisl76M
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) October 18, 2023
