Fans Rally Behind Alexander Volkanovski, Replacing Oliveira Before Makhachev Fight- “Goat”

Oliveira vs Makhachev Canceled- UFC 294, originally set to be a thrilling event, took an unexpected turn when Charles Oliveira had to withdraw due to injury. The new main event now features lightweight champion Islam Makhachev stepping in to face Alexander Volkanovski. Let’s see how fans responded to this surprising update.

Breaking: Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight title in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294, UFC announced on Tuesday.

Charles Oliveira, originally slated for the bout vs. Makhachev, pulled out due to an injury. pic.twitter.com/y7Y2poBf0W

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 11, 2023

Alexander Volkanovski taking Charles Oliveira’s place in UFC 294

UFC announced that Islam Makhachev will defend his UFC lightweight title in a rematch against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 294. Originally, Charles Oliveira was supposed to face Makhachev but had to withdraw due to injury. Fan’s reaction to this news was shocking one fan reacted, “If Volk wins this, he’s the greatest of all time.”

If Volk wins this he’s the goat 🐐

— christian (@goingback2cali) October 11, 2023

Here are some more fan reactions:

This is what the people wanted anyways 💯 LFG!! Volk has been prepping for this exact moment

— Martin Torres (@M559T) October 11, 2023

Volk has the heart of a lion. Best pound for pound fighter on the planet.

— Austin Knapp (@Knapp2016) October 11, 2023

We ride with Volk 🥷🏼 islam is going to be shooting for his life. pic.twitter.com/GgeXTDoAP0

— jay__D (@ProminentKingz) October 11, 2023

My boy Volk gonna win this one now 🔥

— King of the Streets (@KingOfDStreets) October 11, 2023

Volk on 11 days notice. WILD

— Ọ̀LÁTUNDÉ (@DataOla_) October 11, 2023

Why 2 belts? Volk is not putting his belt up 😂

— MMAFayce (@MMAFayce) October 11, 2023

Volk will prob still turn around and fight Topuria in January. What a savage.

— Ben (@Groner36) October 11, 2023

UFC CEO Dana White revealed the rematch news and The Overdogs podcast revealed news initially. White explained that Oliveira incurred a severe eyebrow cut during the fifth round of sparring on Monday night, forcing him to withdraw from the fight.

In their previous encounter, Makhachev and Volkanovski had a fiercely contested match. Makhachev successfully defended his title, securing a victory against Volkanovski through a decision.

Despite the tough fight, Volkanovski is prepared for the upcoming match on October 21, making it the new main event for UFC 294. Volkanovski steps up on short notice, agreeing to face Makhachev with only 11 days’ preparation. If he wins, it will be his chance for revenge after his previous loss to Dagestani at UFC 284 in Australia earlier this year.

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The disappointment of fans losing the anticipated Oliveira vs Makhachev bout is palpable, given the long-awaited excitement for this dream match.

On the other hand, fans are eagerly looking forward to the Volkanovski vs. Islam fight, curious to see if the Australian fighter can exact his revenge.