UFC 294 gets Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 as main event

The rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira is set, according to UFC president Dana White.

Wednesday, White announced Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) vs. Oliveira (3-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) 2 will headlined UFC 294, which takes place Oct. 21 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The bout will be for the UFC lightweight championship that Makhachev currently holds.

Abu Dhabi we’re back and we’re bringing a STACKED card with us!!@DanaWhite just announced the first three fights for #UFC294 in October

[ Tickets on sales this week | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/9mgcbIwbB8

— UFC (@ufc) July 20, 2023

Makhachev and Oliveira first fought at UFC 280 in October 2022. Then-champion Oliveira was defeated by first-time challenger Makhachev by second-round submission. Neither fighter has lost since that bout, as Makhachev successfully defended his title against Justin Gaethje and Alexander Volkanovski.

Oliveira bounced back from the loss at UFC 289 in June against Beneil Dariush. The bout, which was pegged as a likely title eliminator, saw Oliveira finish Dariush with strikes in Round 1. In early July, Oliveira told MMA Junkie it was unlikely he’d be ready in time to take the October bout.

The current UFC 294 lineup includes:

• Champion Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira – for lightweight title
• Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa
• Ikram Aliskerov vs. Nassourdine Imavov

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 290.