- Dana White was in awe of Charles Oliveira’s performance at UFC 289 and is now excited to see the Brazilian rematch Islam Makhachev
- The UFC boss is not sure yet if the reigning lightweight would also be interested
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira returned to his old form and finished Beneil Dariush via first-round TKO at UFC 289. UFC president Dana White was thrilled to have witnessed “Do Bronx” put on a spectacular performance and he is now flirting with the idea of a Makhachev vs. Oliveira rematch.
It makes Sense
Speaking to the media in his post-fight press conference, White heaped praise on Oliveira and reiterated that a second showdown with reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev “makes sense.”
“He looked like a world-beater tonight, and I’m excited for him and Islam to fight again,” White told reporters. “It’s the thing that makes sense. I’ll tell you on Tuesday. But yeah, I mean, let’s not play games; that fight makes sense. That’s the fight that should happen. And I’m excited to see it again.”
“There’s a lot of things that go into consideration for the next [title] fight. I mean, I’m sitting here talking to you about him [Makhachev] right now, and I don’t even know what’s wrong with him,” he added. “He’s in medicals. I don’t know where he’s at and what he’s got planned over the summer. The list goes on and on of things that factor into how fights are made. But I’m just telling you right here right now [Makhachev vs. Oliveira] is a fight I’d like to see again.”
Dana White says he's "excited" for Charles Oliveira to rematch Islam Makhachev 👀 #UFC289
"Let’s not play games, that fight makes sense, that’s the fight that should happen, and I’m excited to see it again.” pic.twitter.com/7sxTBAPjIn
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 11, 2023
A back and forth
Shortly after the fight, Makhachev congratulated Oliveira but insisted that “there’s level is this game,” suggesting he is still superior. It didn’t take long before the Brazilian hit back and said, “Levels are part of the game. See you soon.”
It can be recalled that Makhachev ended Oliveira’s reign by dethroning him via submission at UFC 280 last year. It is yet to be known if the Dagestani champ would opt for a new opponent or would also be interested in a rematch with Oliviera.
