Reacting to former champion, Charles Oliveira’s spectacular finish of Beneil Dariush in the co-main event of UFC 289 tonight, Islam Makhachev has issued a stark reminder to the Brazilian – who immediately called for a title rematch.
Co-headlining UFC 289 in Vancouver, Canada tonight, Oliveira, the current #1 ranked lightweight contender, and former undisputed champion, rebounded to the winner’s enclosure in highlight-reel fashion.
Adding Kings MMA staple, Dariush to his incredible winning résumé, Charles Oliveira managed to stop the former with a slew of opening round ground strikes in an electric opening round back-and-forth.
Islam Makhachev issues reminder to Charles Oliveira after UFC 289
And calling his shot for a title rematch with Russian grappling sensation, Makhachev later this year at UFC 294 in October, Oliveira, who suffered a defeat to the former last year – was reminded of that result, in fact.
“Congrats Charles (Oliveira),” Islam Makhachev tweeted. “But still there’s levels in this game (sunglasses emoji).”
Congrats Charles.
But still there’s levels in this game— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) June 11, 2023
Headlining UFC 280 against American Kickboxing Academy staple, Makhachev in October of last year, Oliveira suffered a second round arm-triangle submission loss to the former in the pair’s vacant title fight.
Yet to be booked for his expected Octagon return in October following a prior successful title defense against featherweight kingpin, Alexander Volkanovski in February, Makhachev has been tipped to return at UFC 294.
And while remaining non-committal on a title rematch with Makhachev should Oliveira win at UFC 289, the Sao Paulo finishing phenom certainly left promotional president, Dana White with a lot to stew in following his stunning stoppage of Dariush in ‘The Great White North.