ABU DHABI – Islam Makhachev will fight anyone, but doesn’t see Charles Oliveira as the logical next choice. Lightweight champion Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) was scheduled to rematch Oliveira in the UFC 294 headliner, but Oliveira was forced out due to a cut and replaced by featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC). After going five hard rounds with Volkanovski at UFC 284, Makhachev knocked him out by Round 1 head kick Saturday at Etihad Arena. UFC CEO Dana White expressed interest in rebooking the Makhachev vs. Oliveira rematch, but Makhachev doesn’t appear too motivated after beating him in convincing fashion at UFC 280 . Makhachev dropped and submitted Oliveira in Round 2, but made it clear that he’ll fight anyone offered.
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