Charles Oliveira Doesn’t Think It’s 'Fair' to Face Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi Again

Going into enemy territory to reclaim the lightweight title wasn’t Charles Oliveira’s first choice.

Oliveira will challenge Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound belt at the Ultimate Fighting Championship's annual event in Abu Dhabi next month. However, UFC 294 on Oct. 21 isn’t the first time Oliveira and Makhachev will meet at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

The Brazilian was on an 11-fight win streak and the uncrowned champ of the 155-pound division when Makhachev submitted him almost exactly a year prior at the same venue. Even back then, Oliveira had openly voiced his displeasure at having to go to Abu Dhabi, which Makhachev’s mentor and teammate Khabib Nurmagomedov famously labeled “our territory.”

The Brazilian also doesn’t think it's “necessarily fair” that the rematch is taking place in Abu Dhabi. However, having been in the fight game for a long time, "do Bronx" understands his position as a challenger well.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s fair, but it’s the game,” Oliveira said through an interpreter in an interview with My MMA News. “That’s where the champion is. He calls the shots. But I’m coming back for my belt wherever that is.”

Oliveira was originally plotting for the matchup to take place when the UFC returns to his hometown of Sao Paulo after four years on Nov. 4.

“With 12 years in the game, I just kind of learned how to play the game,” he said. “I knew that there was a UFC in Sao Paulo. I juast wanted to shoot my shot and see if it would work, but here we are.”