Dana White wants Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira rematch
UFC CEO wants to see the Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira rematch rebooked. The bout was originally set to go down at UFC 294, but Oliveira was forced out of the fight with a cut. Now, White leans toward giving the next title fight to Oliveira instead of Justin Gaethje.
White expressed his opinion at the UFC 294 post-fight press conference. All quotes are via The Score.
“You gotta give (the next title shot) to Oliveira,” White said Saturday at the UFC 294 postfight press conference, according to MMA Fighting. “Oliveira was ready to go; unfortunately, got cut … I think you give it to Oliveira.
“But again, these are all questions that I really can’t answer right now. When we get home, we’ll figure this stuff out and see what’s next for everybody.”
Quote via The Score
Makhachev retained his UFC lightweight title with a first-round head-kick knockout over Alexander Volkanovski. In the bout’s aftermath, the debate over the next title challenger began.
The two biggest players in the title debate are Oliveira and Gaethje. Oliveira clearly has a lead in the race as he has the backing of White.
White’s initial opinion is not always the determining factor in booking a fight. For example, he wanted to see the rematch between Israel Adesnaya and Sean Strickland. That bout seems like it will not come together, as Adesanya is looking to take time off. Still, having White on your side is a great start in getting a title fight.
Charles Oliveira has expressed that he wants to fight for the UFC’s lightweight title. If the logistical factors work out, it is hard to imagine Oliveira is not fighting for the belt in his next bout.
If Oliviera fights for the title, Gaethje will be forced to stay on the sideline for even longer. The two-time title challenger undisputedly earned a third title fight after knocking out Dustin Poirier. Now, Gaethje is left waiting for that opportunity to come. Unfortunately for him, it seems like he may be waiting for a significant period of time.
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