Charles Oliveira will be replaced by Alexander Volkanovski in a lightweight title bout at UFC 294 due to a deep cut he suffered during his final practice in Brazil, with the decision made to ensure he can be 100 percent ready for the next fight.
Charles Oliveira will no longer be competing in the lightweight title bout at UFC 294 on October 21. He was replaced by Alexander Volkanovski due to a deep cut suffered during his final practice session in Brazil. Oliveira took to social media to share the news and explain the severity of his injury. He mentioned that the cut required eight or nine stitches and was too deep to risk fighting without being fully recovered.
According to Oliveira, the decision to withdraw from the main event was made by his team and the UFC officials to ensure that he would be able to compete at his best in the next fight. It remains uncertain whether he will be given another opportunity to fight for the belt once he has recovered from his injury.
Oliveira acknowledged the significance of the upcoming fight and stressed that they did not want to enter the Octagon unprepared. He understood that people might judge and criticize their decision, but he emphasized the importance of being 100% ready for such a crucial match. The fight was not just a regular bout; it was a title fight with a lot at stake. The goal was to be fully prepared and give their best performance.
In addition, UFC 294 may also face changes in the co-main event. UFC CEO Dana White disclosed that a new opponent is being sought for Khamzat Chimaev as Paulo Costa recently revealed that he had undergone elbow surgery mere weeks before the event.
The UFC 294 event is scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena and will be broadcasted live on pay-per-view.