The main event of UFC 294 is off! It is after Charles Oliveira pulled out of the fight after suffering a cut to his eyebrow when sparring. It is a massive disappointment that the rematch between Oliveira and Islam Makhachev isn’t happening. However, current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has stepped up to the plate to have another crack at lightweight gold.
Alexander Volkanovski Vs Islam Makhachev 2
It is a massive shame that Oliveira will not be able to compete next week. Yet, a rematch between Volkanovski and Makhachev is an outstanding fight to make on two weeks’ notice. Their first meeting was incredibly close, with the lightweight champion getting his hand raised. However, some people believed that Volkanovski was victorious in the fight. The Australian champ takes a significant risk by taking the fight on short notice. On the other hand, if he were to pull out a victory, it would be the most remarkable performance in the sport’s history. Furthermore, it would cement him as one of the greatest fighters ever.
Dana White On Situation
Speaking at a Contender Series press conference, White confirmed that Oliveira is out and Volkanovski is in.
Yes, all of that is true.
“Round five of sparring last night, before he was supposed to jump on a plane today, he (Oliveira) split his eyebrow wide open and had it stitched up.
“He can’t fly out there with that.
“(Plus) they didn’t call us.
“We would’ve had him go to a plastic surgeon — they would’ve sewed it from the inside out and got that thing done the right way.
“But they never call us like they should when something happens. They call us after they get it stitched up.
“But on the flip side, I can see him not wanting to risk it, getting a shot like this and … the Volkanovski crew, him and Israel (Adesanya), these guys are studs, man.
“He jumped in and accepted the fight.”
One phone call?
“One phone call,” White concurred of Volkanovski.
“And I would’ve announced it hours ago, except I was waiting for the guys in Abu Dhabi to wake up so I could let them know before we reported it.
“But these guys that surround these guys down in Brazil, they can’t keep their f…ing mouths shut, you know.
“This came out of Oliveira’s camp, part of the f…ing business.
“I would’ve liked to talk to the powers in Abu Dhabi before it got announced, but people can’t keep their mouths shut for whatever reason.
“So here we are.”
All quotes via Fox Sports Australia
It is going to be an intriguing fight and one that many fans are excited to see.
Featured image credits to ESPN
