UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has responded to his UFC 294 opponent Charles Oliveira, who doesn’t feel having to fight twice in Abu Dhabi is a level playing field.
At UFC 280 back in October 2022, Makhachev and Oliveira collided for the UFC lightweight title. The bout took place in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev ended up being the crowd favorite, just as he will be for UFC 294 one year later. Makhachev defeated “do Bronx” in their first meeting via second-round submission.
During an interview with My MMA News, Oliveira gave his take on having to fight Makhachev in Abu Dhabi a second time.
“I don’t necessarily think it’s fair, but it’s the game,” Oliveira said through an interpreter. “That’s where the champion is. He calls the shots. But I’m coming back for my belt, wherever that is.”
Islam Makhachev Responds To Charles Oliveira’s Comments On UFC 294 Location
Makhachev was well aware of Oliveira’s comments and he took to his Twitter account to offer the following response.
Charles, I asked to fight in US in the summer, but UFC has other plans, I am a UFC fighter like you,never set the conditions for the UFC and fought where they offered, my last fight took place in Australia at the challenger’s backyrd, simple, everything you say makes no sense
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) October 2, 2023
“Charles, I asked to fight in US in the summer, but UFC has other plans, I am a UFC fighter like you, never set the conditions for the UFC and fought where they offered, my last fight took place in Australia at the challenger’s backyard, simple, everything you say makes no sense.”
Regardless of the location, Charles Oliveira will be hoping to avoid another one-sided defeat against Islam Makhachev, who some believe will have a stranglehold on the lightweight division for a while. It’s up to “do Bronx” to prove the doubters wrong and become a two-time UFC lightweight champion.
UFC 294 will take place on October 21. Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 will headlined the event. In the co-featured bout, Khamzat Chimaev and Paulo Costa will collide in a grudge match. Magomed Ankalaev will also meet Johnny Walker on the main card.
