UFC 294‘s main event has been changed due to Charles Oliveira‘s injury, with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev replacing him to face Alexander Volkanovski in a rematch, which will take place on October 14 in Abu Dhabi.
UFC 294 is undergoing a major change as Charles Oliveira has been forced to withdraw from the event due to an injury. In his place, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will step up to face Alexander Volkanovski in a highly anticipated rematch. UFC CEO Dana White made the announcement following the Season 7 finale of The Contender Series and confirmed that the event will take place in Abu Dhabi on October 14.
Oliveira sustained a significant cut on his eyebrow during sparring on Monday night, which led to his inability to compete. White expressed his frustration that Oliveira did not inform the promotion before seeking medical attention for his wound. Furthermore, he voiced his displeasure about the news leaking before they could inform their partners in Abu Dhabi.
This unexpected change in the main event of the pay-per-view is a significant development. Volkanovski will have a chance to avenge his narrow loss to Makhachev from their first encounter in February. Despite lobbying for an immediate rematch, Volkanovski went on to successfully defend his UFC featherweight title against Yair Rodriguez in July. The Australian fighter was also supposed to defend his belt in January against Ilia Topuria, but those plans will now be delayed as he pursues a second division championship.
Prior to the change, Mateusz Gamrot was designated as the backup fighter for Oliveira versus Makhachev. However, the reasons for not selecting him were not disclosed by White. With Makhachev versus Volkanovski billed as the headline fight, Gamrot will remain as a backup in case any further changes occur before October 14. The event will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and will be broadcast live on ESPN+ pay-per-view in the United States.
Oliveira later released a video in his native Portuguese where he apologized for his withdrawal from UFC 294. Alongside the video, he attached a picture, serving as his official announcement to fans.