Islam Makhachev will get his long-awaited title fight in the fall, as he has been booked to face UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira at the promotion’s October 22nd pay-per-view event.
The matchup was announced during UFC’s “Fight Night” broadcast Saturday. The bout is set to take place during UFC 280 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev is being lined up for a title fight after attaining a 10-fight winning streak from 2016 to 2022. Recent appearances include a main event victory over Thiago Moises and victories over names like Drew Dober and Bobby Green.
Makhachev is currently ranked fourth in the lightweight division. He is the highest-ranked fighter in the division that has never competed in a title bout before.
Oliveira will be aiming to defend his lightweight belt for the third time. His last appearance came in May when he submitted Justin Gaethje in the first round with a rear naked choke.
Previous appearances in Oliveira’s title reign include finish wins over high-profile names Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier.
There is still a lot that has yet to be announced for UFC 280. The sole other known bout for the card currently is a bout between Belal Muhammad and Sean Brady.
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