When one rematch falls, any other one rises.

Alexander Volkanovski will step in for Charles Oliveira to stand tide light-weight champion Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound name at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Oliveira, who first fought Makhachev and misplaced at UFC 280 ultimate day, used to be severely cut above his eye during training and used to be pressured to tug out of the primary tournament rematch on Oct. 21.

Now, on simply 11 days realize, Volkanovski gets in at the rematch motion and struggle to speed indisposed Makhachev and change into a two-division champion. Volkanovski misplaced in a five-round mystery to Makhachev at UFC 284 in February 2023

Marc Raimondi deep dives into the consequences of the primary tournament name exchange and hits on whether or not this places Makhachev or Volkanovski in a extra deprived place going into their 2d bout.

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Is it a mistake for Volkanovski to speed this combat on 11 days realize?

It’s definitely a chance. I received’t progress so far as to mention it’s a mistake. Volkanovski is supremely assured and has already been there with Makhachev for 5 rounds. Had this been their first combat, one may believe Volkanovski hesitating if this type of alternative arose. However now he is aware of what he’s in for. He’s felt Makhachev’s power, wrestling ability and tool. I will be able to say this, although: Volkanovski has a ton of guts for taking this combat with out a coaching camp. If he loses at UFC 294, who is aware of if he will get any other break on the light-weight name?

Is it a mistake for Makhachev to speed this combat on 11 days?

This is an engaging query, as a result of typical knowledge says the fighter coming in on trim realize with out a coaching camp is at an obstacle. However I’ve talked to enough of coaches who say it might be the other – the banged-up fighter who’s been coaching for 6 or 8 weeks going in opposition to a “fresh” opponent they have got no longer ready for is the only at a dearth. In the long run, although, it’s no longer a mistake for Makhachev. He’s the larger guy, has already overwhelmed Volkanovski, and although he’s been coaching for a distinct taste of combat, he nonetheless has the wrestling and grappling to neutralize somebody.

What occurs now for Oliviera?

He heals up that short and waits. Possibly he even will get a name shot then day in Brazil out of this. Who is aware of? Oliveira remains to be the Disagree. 1 contender. He needs to be involved that Justin Gaethje, who knocked out Dustin Poirier to win the BMF name in July, could also be proper there. Oliveira nonetheless figures to be then in layout, however what if Volkanovski wins and defends the featherweight name prior to the light-weight one? May Oliveira need to combat and win once more to get any other anticipation on the belt? Anything else is conceivable. The UFC is a fast-moving international.

Why used to be it Volkanovski and no longer probably the most alternative light-weight contenders?

It’s so simple as Volkanovski represents the most important conceivable combat – even larger than Oliveira, theoretically – and he used to be to be had and keen. We at ESPN have Volkanovski ranked Disagree. 1 pound-for-pound on the earth. Makhachev is Disagree. 2. As Dana White stated Tuesday evening, it’s possibly probably the most expected rematch in department historical past. And that covers some grassland. Light-weight is a premier department. The UFC did form overtures to others, together with Mateusz Gamrot and Dustin Poirier, in step with resources, however Volkanovski used to be the most productive conceivable choice.

If Volkanovski wins, what’s then for 145?

Ilia Topuria is the Disagree. 1 contender. That a lot is sunny. Who Topuria fights and when will probably be wondered if Volkanovski turns into the UFC light-weight champion. Volkanovski might pop out of the Makhachev combat rather early and need to walk backpedal and shield the featherweight belt in his then combat. Volkanovski instructed me previous this day that he’s assured he is usually a combating champion in two sections if it got here to that.

The UFC may additionally remove the cause on an intervening time name combat, like they did previous this day when Volkanovski fought Makhachev for the primary year. Topuria vs. Max Holloway for intervening time gold might be a captivating walk. Prior to the ultimate few days, Volkanovski vs. Topuria at UFC 297 in January used to be deep in negotiations and prone to occur, in keeping with resources.

If Volkanovski loses, what’s then for 145?

Volkanovski comes backpedal some time and defends the name. The UFC may nonetheless finally end up doing an intervening time name combat. It’ll all come right down to timing.

May Volkanovski form a snappy flip and shield the 145-pound belt early in 2024? Doubtlessly, however it kind of feels adore it can be a dozen to invite. An intervening time name combat, whether or not Volkanovski wins or loses, is more than likely a secure guess at this level.