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Charles Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion and renowned Brazilian mixed martial artist, is celebrated as one of the sport’s premier grapplers. With the most submission victories in UFC history to his name, he’s earned his place as a fan-favorite due to his thrilling and aggressive fighting style. Over the course of his career, Oliveira’s performances have garnered an impressive 19 performance bonuses.

However, Oliveira’s last bout was in June 2023, where he lost his title to Islam Makhachev via submission in the second round. He was set to face Makhachev in a much-anticipated rematch at UFC 294 on October 21, 2023, but an untimely injury sidelined his return to the octagon. Here’s what happened and when we can expect to see Oliveira back in action.

The Injury:

Oliveira disclosed that he sustained a nasty cut above his right eye during a sparring session, necessitating stitches and hampering his training. A photo he shared on his social media showed a deep gash running from his eyebrow to his eyelid. Oliveira apologized to his fans and expressed his determination to heal as swiftly as possible. However, he acknowledged that it would be too risky to compete with such a severe injury.

Oliveira was quick to rebuff allegations from fans and fighters suggesting that he was avoiding Makhachev or seeking an easier opponent. He emphasized his respect for Makhachev, both as a fighter and an individual, and asserted his readiness to face him once more. Oliveira underlined his fearlessness in the division, vowing to demonstrate it upon his return.

The Replacement:

With Oliveira out of UFC 294, the UFC faced the challenge of finding a replacement for Makhachev at short notice. They announced that Alexander Volkanovski, the current UFC featherweight champion, would step up to take on Makhachev for the lightweight title with just 11 days’ preparation. Volkanovski had recently defended his featherweight belt against Brian Ortega at UFC 283 on September 30, 2023, securing a unanimous decision victory.

Volkanovski’s decision to accept the fight was driven by his desire to make history as a two-division champion and his confidence in his skills and conditioning. He displayed unwavering determination, showing no concerns about the weight cut or the short notice.

Makhachev welcomed Volkanovski’s challenge and praised him for his courage. He expressed his focus on defending his title and reiterating his status as the top lightweight in the world.

The Future:

Oliveira’s hopes are set on a swift recovery and a return to training. His goal remains unchanged – to fight Makhachev and reclaim his title. He also assures fans and pundits that he’ll be prepared to take on any other opponent the UFC presents. Oliveira’s resilience shines through; he refuses to be disheartened by his loss and injury, promising to come back stronger than ever.

In the official UFC lightweight rankings, Oliveira still retains the top contender spot. His impressive MMA record stands at 34 wins and 9 losses, with 21 victories by submission and 10 by knockout. Over his career, he’s faced some of the division’s most formidable opponents, including Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, and Paul Felder.

Oliveira’s exceptional talent and captivating fighting style have secured him a prominent place in the UFC. He’s demonstrated exceptional improvement and resilience in overcoming adversity. Oliveira’s unwavering dedication to the sport, his exciting performances, and his connection with the fans have earned him widespread respect and admiration from both spectators and fellow fighters.

Conclusion:

Charles Oliveira’s absence from the octagon is due to a significant eye injury sustained during training, which forced him to withdraw from his UFC 294 rematch with Islam Makhachev. His replacement, Alexander Volkanovski, will step in for the title bout on short notice. Oliveira remains focused on healing and making his return, with his sights set on regaining his title and reaffirming his status as the best lightweight in the world.

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