BREAKING: Charles Oliveira Out Of UFC 294, Alex Volkanovski Steps In
The reports are correct, Charles Oliveira will not make the walk at UFC 294, but Alex Volkanovski will.
Oliveira had been scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship in a rematch on October 21. This was a chance for "do Bronx" to avenge a second-round submission loss to Makhachev around this time last year.
As plans will be, plans will go awry.
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The OverDogs Podcast was the first to report that Charles Oliveira has been pulled from the UFC 294 card. The outlet also claimed that UFC featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski will serve as the replacement opponent.
TSN's Aaron Bronsteter initially confirmed that Oliveira suffered an injury and will be off the card. As far as Volkanovski being a replacement opponent is concerned, Bronsteter originally said he had yet to receive confirmation that "The Great" is indeed in for UFC 294. With that said, the renowned MMA journalist didn't rule out an official announcement soon.
Well, as it turns out, UFC CEO Dana White made that confirmation. White said Oliveira suffered a nasty gash on his eyebrow during sparring, forcing him out of the fight. The UFC boss then announced that Alex Volkanovski is in to fight Makhachev in a rematch.
Volkanovski and Makhachev did battle earlier this year for the UFC gold. Makhachev successfully retained his 155-pound championship via unanimous decision, but it was a highly competitive fight. Now that Volkanovski is indeed ready to roll on October 21, UFC 294 has its new main event.
Keep it locked on the MMA Knockout homepage for the latest updates on UFC 294.
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