GRAPHIC WARNING! Charles Oliveira’s gnarly injury that cost him spot at UFC 294 against Islam Makhachev leaves fans in disgust

Charles Oliveira withdrew from UFC 294 due to a severe eye injury. Alexander Volkanovski replaces him, reigniting a rivalry with Islam Makhachev.

GRAPHIC WARNING! Charles Oliveira’s gnarly injury that cost him spot at UFC 294 against Islam Makhachev leaves fans in disgust

Charles Oliveira out of UFC 294 (Source: YouTube/UFC)

In a shocking turn of events, Charles Oliveira has suffered a significant injury that has led to his withdrawal from the much-anticipated UFC 294 title bout in Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena. Oliveira sustained a severe cut above his right eye. Many fans expressed disgust and concern for the prominent figure in the UFC lightweight division.

Oliveira was set to face off against Islam Makhachev in what was expected to be a fan-friendly contest for the UFC 294 lightweight title. With Oliveira’s withdrawal, the UFC has pivoted quickly, introducing Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion, as the new contender. Interestingly, this is not Volkanovski’s first dance with Makhachev. The two fighters fought at UFC 284. At UFC 284 in Australia, Volkanovski suffered a narrow defeat in a closely contested decision against Makhachev.

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The abrupt change in the fight card has undoubtedly introduced a new dynamic to UFC 294. Moreover, Paulo Costa‘s injury woes had earlier caused concern in the MMA community. Costa would be competing against Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event of UFC 294. The Brazilian had an elbow surgery done three weeks prior. Nevertheless, fans are eagerly waiting to see how Volkanovski and Makhachev’s rematch plays out, as well as Costa and Chimaev.

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MMA fans were treated to a spectacular showcase as the UFC touched down in Australia with UFC 284. It was the UFC’s first visit to Australia after UFC 243 in Melbourne in October 2019. Adding to the bout’s importance was the ranking battle. Volkanovski hailed as the number 1 pound-for-pound fighter, tested his well-rounded skills against the second-ranked credentialed grappler, Islam Makhachev. It was Islam Makhachev who emerged victorious via unanimous decision.

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Fans reacts to Charles Oliveira’s gruesome injury that forced him out of the UFC 294 title fight

In MMA, the unexpected can occur in a blink. An unfortunate thing happened as fans witnessed Charles Oliveira’s chilling injury suffered at sparring that compelled him to step down from the UFC 294 title bout. Moreover, as news broke, X was ablaze with reactions from the MMA community.

Islam Makhachev Charles Oliveira
Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira (Source: ESPN)

A vast portion of the community was heartbroken. They have eagerly awaited the rematch between Oliveira and Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. The previous contests were one-sided, but the rematch was poised to be electrifying and promised to be different from their initial clash at UFC 280. Nevertheless, every cloud has a silver lining. Moreover, a section of the MMA community rejoiced at the prospect of seeing Alexander Volkanovski face off with Makhachev again after their blockbuster clash at UFC 284 in Perth.

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The reactions showed that overshadowing the discussions about bouts and matchups was a sentiment of concern for Oliveira. Many fans, fighters, and others from the MMA community sent out prayers and wishes for a swift recovery. Moreover, Charles Oliveira’s unexpected exit serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and risks associated with the sport. Furthermore, fans worldwide will hope for Oliveira’s speedy return to the Octagon.

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