Makhachev Dismisses Oliveira’s Complaints Regarding UFC 294 Location

Islam Makhachev believes Charles Oliveira’s issues with the location of their upcoming title fight are baseless.

UFC 294 on Oct. 21 marks the second time that “do Bronx” will travel to Abu Dhabi for a lightweight title clash. While Oliveira is the challenger this time, he was essentially the uncrowned champ when he was submitted by Makhachev at the same venue at UFC 280 last year.

While he understands his position well, the Brazilian recently noted that it isn’t “necessarily fair” that he travels to enemy territory a second time. Makhachev has since responded to Oliveira’s comments, citing the example of his own title defense in the challenger’s territory at UFC 284 against Alexander Volkanovski. The Dagestani claims to have little agency in determining the location of a fight, just like any other UFC athlete.

“Charles, I asked to fight in US in the summer, but UFC has other plans,” Makhachev wrote on social media. “I am a UFC fighter like you, never set the conditions for the UFC and fought where they offered. My last fight took place in Australia at the challenger’s backyard, simple. Everything you say makes no sense.”

Charles, I asked to fight in US in the summer, but UFC has other plans, I am a UFC fighter like you,never set the conditions for the UFC and fought where they offered, my last fight took place in Australia at the challenger’s backyrd, simple, everything you say makes no sense

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) October 2, 2023