Full low-down on Makhachev vs Oliveira 2 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: When mixed martial arts fighters Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira stand opposite each other in the Octagon on Oct. 21 there will be a real sense of deja vu for audiences around the world.

Twelve months ago, at Ultimate Fighting Championship 280, the two men met at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi for the vacant UFC lightweight title.

On that night it was Makhachev who emerged the victor, stopping his Brazilian opponent in the second round and sending a partisan crowd into raptures.

Now they meet once more, again for the UFC lightweight title, and here is the story of their rivalry.

What happened last time?

Makhachev had long been seen as the ultimate successor of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov and arrived in Abu Dhabi carrying a 10-fight win streak having built a fearsome reputation in the 155 pounds division.

His grappling and wrestling are standout with many of his victims struggling to deal with his strength on the ground.

Oliveira was sporting an unbeaten record one better than his opponent and had tasted title success, having claimed the crown in 2021 defeating Michael Chandler, and defending it later that year against Dustin Poirier.

He would then go on to defeat Justin Gaethje but was forced to vacate the title on the eve of that fight having missed weight.

And now to Abu Dhabi with a vacant title, and two fighters determined to make it their own.

Oliveira holds records in the UFC for most finishes and submission wins – credentials that would give Makhachev his sternest test to date. On the night, however, the man from Dagestan was simply unstoppable – winning via arm-triangle in the second round.

What has happened since?

Since that night in Abu Dhabi both men have fought