- Charles Oliveira had been preparing for his rematch against Islam Makhachev
- But Brazilian was forced to withdraw due to horrendous cut suffered in sparring
- Alexander Volkanovski is stepping up to take on the lightweight champion again
Charles Oliveira has revealed the gruesome cut that has forced him to withdraw from his huge UFC 294 showdown with Islam Makhachev.
The Brazilian had been gearing up for a rematch with the formidable lightweight champion in Abu Dhabi, before the cut suffered in a sparring session on Monday forced a mad scramble to rearrange the main event.
Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion, has agreed to step in on just 11 days notice to fight Makhachev again, having lost a decision against him back in February.
And observing Oliveira’s wound, it is clear to see why the original fight had to be shelved.
The submission specialist took to social media, explaining the injury in Portuguese, alongside the caption: ‘I’m sorry to everyone but God knows all the reasons.’
GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING:
Charles Oliveira revealed the nasty cut that has ruled him out of UFC 294
Oliveira shared a video on Instagram speaking about the withdrawal from the fight
The cut is above his right eye is deep and measures almost three quarters of the eyebrow line, requiring stitches.
Dana White spoke about the situation, saying: ‘The Volkanovski crew, him and Israel [Adesanya], these guys are absolute studs, man.
‘This is how we do it, brother.
‘One fight falls out and we end up making a fight – it’s one of the most anticipated rematches ever in that weight class.’
Volkanovski has made no formal comfirmation about the showdown with his old foe, but on Wednesday afternoon shared a post on his Instagram page saying, ‘Alex Volkanovski is the baddest motherf**ker walking the face of God’s green earth’.
Makhachev has just one title defence, but has won his last 12 fights in the promotion.
Next Saturday’s opponent for the Dagestani felt he had a legitimate claim to winning on the scorecards last time out but the short notice will test his conditioning to the limit.
Makhachev is a relentless wrestler but also possesses crisp striking so it would be a remarkable achievement if the Australian was to pull off an upset.
Alexander Volkanovski has taken up the offer of a rematch with Islam Makhachev
