Islam Makhachev's Manager & Dana White Clarify Plans After Report Of Possible UFC 297 Title Defense

Talk of UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev returning to action in January has quickly died down, with the promotion’s CEO and the Dagestani’s manager clarifying a recent rumor.

This past weekend, renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani reported that the MMA leader was planning on having Makhachev defend his title for the third time in a rearranged rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 297.

The event, which is set for Toronto, already boasts a championship fight. Competing for the vacant bantamweight strap, Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva are slated to kick off their year in Canada.

Despite the recent report, however, Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 won”t be joining them on the pay-per-view card. ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto revealed that on X, sharing confirmation from Dana White himself.

Although it won’t go down at 2024’s first numbered event, the UFC CEO did state that “Do Bronx” is the most likely next challenger at 155 pounds.

“Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 will not headline UFC 297 next month in Toronto, per Dana White,” Okamoto wrote. “As of now, Oliveira does appear to be the most likely 155 challenger, although White tells ESPN, ‘Anything is possible, it’s whenever both are ready.'”

Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 will not headline UFC 297 next month in Toronto, per Dana White.

As of now, Oliveira does appear to be the most likely 155 challenger, although White tells ESPN, 'Anything is possible, it's whenever both are ready.'

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 5, 2023

Makhachev’s Manager Lays Out Return Timeline

Soon after the report of his client’s return emerged, Dominance MMA Management CEO Ali Abdelaziz was quick to shut talk of a UFC 297 headliner down in multiple posts on social media.

And communicating with Okamoto, the prominent manager revealed that the lightweight titleholder won’t be making the walk again until at least March, leaving UFC 299 and UFC 300 as the earliest options for Makhachev’s third defense.

“Makhachev’s manager @AliAbdelaziz00 tells ESPN he has informed the UFC the earliest Makhachev will be ready to defend his title is March 9.”

Makhachev's manager @AliAbdelaziz00 tells ESPN he has informed the UFC the earliest Makhachev will be ready to defend his title is March 9.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) November 5, 2023

Makhachev most recently retained his gold at UFC 294 last month in Abu Dhabi. There, he ran it back with Alexander Volkanovski on late notice, knocking the Australian out in the first round eight months on from their five-round battle in Perth.

Oliveira, meanwhile, was originally slated to share the cage with the champ inside the Etihad Arena. A cut forced the Brazilian to withdraw less than two weeks out, but it appears that hasn’t cost him another chance at avenging his 2022 loss to Makhachev.

Read Also: UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (10/30-11/5): 20-Fight Veteran Joins UFC 296 Card, Two Cancellations

Source link