“Justin Gaethje is next” – Team Khabib takes dig at Charles Oliveira for pulling out of Islam Makhachev challenge after gnarly eyebrow injury

Ali Abdelaziz declares Justin Gaethje as Islam Makahachev's next likely opponent when Charles Oliveira withdraws due to injury.

“Justin Gaethje is next” – Team Khabib takes dig at Charles Oliveira for pulling out of Islam Makhachev challenge after gnarly eyebrow injury

Islam Makhachev suggests Justin Gaethje - Charles Oliveira rematch ( Image via Imago )

Ali Abdelaziz, a prominent figure in MMA management, has voiced his criticism towards Charles Oliveira. Abdelaziz pointedly questioned Oliveira’s decision to withdraw from his much-anticipated rematch against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. He cited a rather inconvenient eyebrow injury as the reason behind the cancellation.

The fight world was eagerly awaiting the Charles Oliveira-IslamMakhachev showdown, and Oliveira’s last-minute withdrawal has left many fans disheartened. Adding fuel to the fire, Ali Abdelaziz didn’t mince words in expressing his discontent. Turning to X, Abdelaziz boldly declared Makhachev as the future winner of UFC 294. He also announced that Justin Gaethje was now next in line for a title shot against Makhachev. This sudden twist in the UFC’s lightweight division has sent shockwaves of excitement through the MMA community.

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Ali Abdelaziz further emphasized his point with a tweet comparing Charles Oliveira’s situation to a legendary moment in MMA history. He posted a picture of a battered Frankie Edgar just eight days before his fight against Jose Aldo, insinuating that Oliveira missed an opportunity by not pushing through. Abdelaziz pointed out that, despite injuries, Edgar faced Aldo, demonstrating a level of commitment that he felt Oliveira lacked. “This is Frankie Edgar 8 days before he fought Jose Aldo…Justin Gaethje is next for the title,” he wrote.

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https://twitter.com/AliAbdelaziz00/status/1712249015486849412?t=EL8nW0EqaZyTVNrNyw7GPg&s=19

In a prior interview, Abdelaziz had confidently asserted that Gaethje was poised to secure his title shot right after Oliveira. Gaethje had been patiently waiting for this opportunity, and Oliveira’s withdrawal seemed to have solidified his position. However, the outcome of Makhachev’s impending showdown with Alexander Volkanovski will be the ultimate decider of whether Gaethje’s title shot materializes.

Related: “I got them big cojones!” Alexander Volkanovski puts out dashing statement after accepting to fight Islam Makhachev on 10 days notice at UFC 294

Alexander Volkanovski replacing Charles Oliveira for UFC 294

UFC 294’s headline showdown at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi has undergone an unexpected transformation. It was originally slated as a lightweight title rematch between Charles Oliveira, and the current titleholder, Islam Makhachev. However, the landscape has shifted due to an unfortunate injury sidelining Oliveira, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a suitable replacement.

Alexander Volkanovski
Alexander Volkanovski replacing Charles Oliveira for UFC 294 ( Image via Imago )

Alexander Volkanovski has answered the call to fill in place of Oliveira’s shoes. UFC CEO Dana White later validated this sudden change during the DWCS 66 post-fight press conference. With this unexpected twist, Islam Makhachev has squared off against Alexander Volkanovski yet again. Their first clash unfolded at UFC 284, where Volkanovski aimed for dual champion status. In a closely-watched bout, Makhachev emerged victorious securing a unanimous decision.

UFC 294 guarantees an exhilarating main event, as the battle-tested Volkanovski squares off once more against the formidable Makhachev. This rematch is a highlight for fight enthusiasts, offering an intriguing and highly-anticipated clash between the two exceptional fighters.

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