Report: Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 In The Works For UFC 297, Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria Delayed

It appears that Charles Oliveira has secured another opportunity to exact revenge on UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev, with the pair reportedly in line to kick off the promotion’s pay-per-view schedule for 2024 at UFC 297.

“Do Bronx” was originally set to run it back with the Dagestani late last month in Abu Dhabi, one year on from their first showdown at the Etihad Arena. On late notice, however, a cut forced the ex-champ out.

Since Makhachev’s emphatic win over replacement opponent Alexander Volkanovski, Oliveira has been battling ‘BMF’ titleholder Justin Gaethje for the next shot at dethroning the division’s kingpin.

The Brazilian has seemingly won the race, with renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani reporting that the UFC is lining up Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 to headline the January 20 PPV event, which is expected to take place in Toronto, Canada.

That news comes shortly after confirmation of another championship bout set for UFC 297 emerged, with Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva set to collide for the vacant bantamweight belt.

Volkanovski Slated For February Return After KO Loss To Makhachev

Prior to the short-notice change to the UFC 294 card, the plan for next year’s opening PPV included a main event showdown between Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria.

Although the featherweight champion’s knockout loss to Makhachev appeared to put that in jeopardy, the Australian pleaded with the promotion to keep him active and rebook him for UFC 297.

Those cries evidently haven’t been heard, but that doesn’t mean “Alexander the Great” will be waiting much longer. In the same report, Helwani noted that the UFC is looking to have Volkanovski defend his gold against the undefeated Topuria a month later in February instead.

The planned challenger’s manager recently teased a confirmed title fight following a meeting with Hunter Campbell in Spain. With that in mind, it would seem that a official confirmation isn’t far away.

The current plan – though not finalized just yet – is to have Islam Makhachev x Charles Oliveira 2 – headline UFC 297. That event, while not officially announced yet, is currently slated to Jan. 20 in Toronto. The original plan for that main was Volkanovski x Topuria, but now…

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 4, 2023

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