In October 20022, Charles Oliveira went through the most unfortunate phase of his career. He welcomed Islam Makhachev at the UFC 280 event with the position of the defending champion of Lightweight, but could not protect the belt successfully. Oliveira was even strangled and given up earlier than expected.
“That day, I went through 10 minutes of play,” Charles Oliveira said. He added: “I will not change anything for the rematch against Islam Makhachev. This match will definitely take place. I am expected to return to the stage in April or May this year, and look forward to a struggle in the end of the year.”
Also according to Oliveira, he was invited by UFC to a early rematch against Makhachev at UFC 283 that took place in Rio. However, Brazilian boxers refused to play at home on the grounds that he was in psychological crisis, not ready to return to the competition. Instead, he wanted to calm down before continuing to enter the octagon cage.
In the opposite direction, Islam Makhachev is about to enter the belt protection match in early February. His opponent Alexander Volkanovski, the defending champion, has just decided to spread on Lightweight to play. The competition will take place on February 11 in Perth, Australia.
Since the golden stage of Khabib and McGregor, the Lightweight weight class is still a place to gather a series of outstanding boxers of UFC. Besides faces like Oliveira, Makhachev or Volkanovski, UFC still has many talented boxers, typically Beneil Dariush. Besides, Dustin Poirier is still playing.