UFC 294 Gets New Main Event: Former Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira withdrew due to injury, and the current title holder Islam Makhachev for the second time in a row will share the octagon with the champion of the division below Alexander Volkanovski.
The rematch, announced by UFC CEO Dana White after Season 7 of The Contender Series, will be the main event of the number show scheduled for October 21 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
White said Oliveira suffered a serious cut to his eyebrow during sparring on Monday night. The UFC CEO expressed displeasure that the Brazilian did not contact the promotion before his wound was stitched up. He was also outraged that the information was leaked before the promotion had time to inform its partners in Abu Dhabi.
Dana added that Mateusz Gamrot, who was recently confirmed as a reserve fighter in the Oliveira vs. Makhachev fight, could at some point come in as a replacement, but he did not specify why the choice did not fall on the Pole.
Let us remind you that the first fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski took place in February - in a competitive battle, the Dagestani won by unanimous decision. The Australian returned in July and successfully defended his belt in the 145-pound division, defeating Yair Rodriguez by TKO. Immediately after the fight, Alexander underwent surgery on his hand.
