Alexander Volkanovski Vs. Islam Makhachev Set For UFC 294

Charles Oliveira is out of the UFC 294 main event.

Fighting in his place will be Alexander Volkanovski, who is now challenging Islam Makhachev for the lightweight champion on October 21 in Abu Dhabi.

The news was confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White during his Contender Series post-show press conference, where he also provided an explanation of what happened to Oliveira.

“Round five on sparring last night, he split his eyebrow wide open,” said White. “He had it stitched up last night, [but] obviously can’t fly out there with that.”

The missed opportunity is devastating for Oliveira, but it is a golden one for Volkanovski, who quickly accepted the title fight. Volkanovski had won 22 straight bouts before he lost to Makhachev in a controversial five-round decision in February. Now he has a chance to avenge that loss and defeat the champ.

“This is how we do it,” said White. “It’s one of the most anticipated rematches ever in that weight class.”