Islam Makhachev has been making headlines since yesterday with the rumors of him featuring in UFC 297. As per the reports, Makhachev is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira in a rematch at the event. UFC 297 is set to take place on January 20, 2023, in Toronto.
The news of Islam Makhachev defending his title in a rematch got many fans excited. But many were doubtful about the possibility of it as the Dagestani recently defended his title at UFC 294. Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski in the first round KO/TKO and fans feel that having a match again this soon is not a good idea. With all that said, now his manager has confirmed the same.
Ali Abdelaziz who is the manager of Islam Makhachev recently took to Twitter and discarded the claims of Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 at UFC 297. Abdelaziz went on to call it fake. He said,
“Fake news @MAKHACHEVMMA fighting Charles Oliveira in January.”
Fake news @MAKHACHEVMMA fighting Charles Oliveira in January
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) November 5, 2023
Islam Makhachev was originally supposed to face ‘Do Bronx’ at UFC 294. But due to the injury, the Brazilian had to step out from UFC 294 on short notice. Makhachev then went on to take on Volkanovski at UFC 294.
After Makhachev’s spectacular performance against ‘The Great’, the MMA community started discussing about next potential opponent for Makhachev. Majority of the fans named Oliveira as the Dagestani’s next opponent.
Will Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 happen?
Islam Makhachev first faced ‘Do Bronx‘ at UFC 280 in 2022. He defeated Oliveira via submission to become the lightweight champion. The Brazilian then went on to defeat Beneil Dariush at UFC 289 to became the number 1 contender for the lightweight title. However, the rematch at UFC 294 couldn’t take place due to the Brazilian flighter’s injury.
During the UFC 294 post-fight conference, UFC President Dana White was asked about who Makhachev shall take on in his next fight. He expressed that Charles Oliveira is his choice for the next title defence as he had to pull out due to unavoidable circumstances and deserves a chance. He said,
“Listen, you gotta give it to Oliveira. Oliveira’s ready to go. Unfortunately, he got cut. I think you give it to Oliveira, but again, these are all questions I can’t really answer right now. We get home, we figure stuff out, and see what’s next for everybody.” (15:20 to 15:46)
However, it will be interesting to see what comes next and who Makhachev takes on to fight next. Fans are desperately waiting for Makhachev vs. Oliveira to materialize. But the decision lies with the UFC to decide the schedule and the suitable lightweight contender.
