Charles Oliveira on Islam Makhachev rematch in Abu Dhabi: 'I don't necessarily think it's fair, but it's the game'
Charles Oliveira admits he would have preferred rematching Islam Makhachev elsewhere. Former champion Oliveira (34-9 MMA, 22-9 UFC) will run things back with lightweight champion Makhachev (24-1 MMA, 13-1 UFC) in the UFC 294 headliner, which takes place Oct. 21 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Their first title fight took place less than a year ago in Abu Dhabi, where Makhachev ran through Oliveira with a second-round submission at UFC 280. Now, Oliveira will have to fight Makhachev again in Abu Dhabi. “I don’t necessarily think it’s fair, but it’s the game,” Oliveira told My MMA News through an interpreter. “That’s where the champion is. He calls the shots. But I’m coming back for my belt, wherever that is.” Oliveira earned a second shot at Makhachev after snapping Beneil Dariush’s eight-fight winning streak with a first-round TKO at UFC 289 in June . He was dubbed next in line for the title, but took a while to accept the rematch. However, it turns out it was just a negotiation...