Famed mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran Alexander Shlemenko weighed in on the gossip around Brazilian contender Charles Oliveira’s withdrawal from the UFC lightweight showdown against the reigning champion, Russian star Islam Makhachev. Shlemenko suggested that Oliveira’s decision should not be read as a sign of fear, but rather as a strategic move aimed at maximizing his odds against the formidable Russian grappler. His perspective adds depth to the discourse surrounding the matchup and is recounted here with reference to RT and the broader MMA conversation.
Shlemenko argued that Oliveira likely faced a mix of personal and professional challenges that made him reassess the best route into the bout with Makhachev. He noted that preparing for a high-stakes fight with a long camp and a significant cut can place a fighter in a window where risk assessment becomes crucial. In Shlemenko’s view, even when a fighter attempts to shield themselves from every potential issue, complete protection against injury or timing setbacks is virtually impossible. The takeaway, he asserted, is not panic but prudence in the pursuit of peak performance under pressure.
With Oliveira unavailable, Australian standout Alexander Volkanovski stepped in to challenge Makhachev at UFC 294, which is scheduled for October 21 in Abu Dhabi. The event is headlined by the anticipated championship clash between Makhachev and Volkanovski, a bout that has drawn global attention from fans and analysts who plan their viewing around the Middle East location and the star power on the card. This substitution has intensified betting markets, media narratives, and fan expectations as both fighters bring distinct styles and championship pedigrees to the cage.
In the aftermath of a recent encounter, Islam Makhachev’s dominance continued to be reflected when he faced Volkanovski at UFC 284 in Perth, where he secured a unanimous decision after five rounds. That victory marked Makhachev’s 24th career win with only a single loss, underscoring his consistency at the highest level of competition. The performance reinforced his status as a formidable lightweight champion and reinforced expectations for his title defense later that year and into future campaigns.
Historically speaking, Makhachev had claimed the UFC lightweight belt by defeating Oliveira in the second round on October 22, 2022, a moment that became a defining chapter in the championship’s lineage. The rematch chatter and the strategic implications of Oliveira’s withdrawal are part of a broader narrative about how fighters adapt when the opponent changes, how gyms recalibrate game plans, and how rivals gauge their own readiness against a champion with proven, relentless wrestling and grappling pressure. These dynamics continue to shape the championship landscape as the sport evolves and schedules shift under the global calendar of UFC events, including the ongoing dialogue among promoters, coaches, and athletes about risk, preparation, and opportunity.
Looking back, observers have wondered about the reaction of UFC leadership to rematch discussions involving Makhachev and Volkanovski, pondering the balance between marketing appeal and competitive integrity. While some voices urged patience for a definitive series, others highlighted how the quick pivot to a fresh title bout can energize a card and broaden the audience. The current moment reflects a sport that thrives on adaptability, with fans following every strategic decision—from training camps and medical checks to fighter visibility and media engagements—while the fighters themselves weigh the potential consequences of their moves in the octagon and of any change in opponents. (Source: RT)”