UFC returns to Abu Dhabi with lightweight title on the line



![Charles Oliveira (left) and Islam Makhachev. — Supplied photo](https://www.msn.com/en-ae/sport/other/ufc-returns-to-abu-dhabi-with-lightweight-title-on-the-line/"default":"load":"default","w":"80","h":"57","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AAZQ2O7.img?h=573&w=799&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=1114&y=639","size3column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"45","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AAZQ2O7.img?h=448&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=1114&y=639","size2column":"load":"default","w":"62","h":"45","src":"//img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AAZQ2O7.img?h=448&w=624&m=6&q=60&o=f&l=f&x=1114&y=639")


© Supplied by Khaleej Times
Charles Oliveira (left) and Islam Makhachev. — Supplied photo


UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on Oct 22 as Charles Oliveira usually takes on Islam Makhachev for the vacant light-weight championship at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
The bout will be the most recent celebration held in the UAE funds as part of a landmark partnership among the world’s leading blended martial arts organisation, and the Division of Society and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) which started in 2019.
October will also see the return of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week functioning from October 17-23, anchored by UFC 280 and consisting of other sports activities and amusement ancillary functions, driven by Flash Entertainment. Tickets for the bout go on standard sale at 1 pm UAE Time on Friday, via Etihad Arena and Ticketmaster.
Oliveira (33-8-1, fighting out of Sao Paolo, Brazil) will be wanting to get back the vacant title immediately after his recent dominant victory over Justin Gaethje. The Brazilian turned champion with a 2nd-round stoppage of Michael Chandler in Might 2021, right before defending properly against Dustin Poirier 7 months later on. Because of to Oliveira missing bodyweight, only Gaethje was suitable to get the title when the two achieved in May perhaps this yr. Irrespective of this, Oliveira secured a very first-round submission acquire to cement his spot at the head of the division’s rankings, extending UFC documents for most finishes (19) and most submissions (16) in the method. His sights will be firmly set on getting back the title in Abu Dhabi.
Makhachev (22-1, battling out of Makhachkala, Dagestan) is previously a group favourite in Abu Dhabi, following bouts with Davy Ramos and Dan Hooker, in the UAE cash, in 2019 and 2021 respectively. A item of the famed Nurmagomedov staff, Makhachev is on a 10-battle win streak, obtaining stopped Bobby Eco-friendly in the opening spherical of his past outing. A gifted ground fighter, Makhachev has 10 submission wins for the duration of his MMA profession, and will be hunting to insert Oliveira’s name to his profitable streak by claiming the lightweight title in entrance of what will efficiently be a ‘home’ group in Abu Dhabi.
Also on the card, No. 5 rated UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad aims to protect his spot in the rankings against fast-mounting No. 9 rated Sean Brady. Muhammad is at this time on the very best operate of his UFC vocation, getting unbeaten in his last eight fights which includes notable victories more than Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson and Demian Maia. He now seems to incorporate a different assertion performance to his resume and stake his declare for a shot at the title. Undefeated prospect Brady programs to go on his momentum from wins above Michael Chiesa, Jake Matthews and Chistian Aguilera and crack into the Prime 5 for the initial time. He now intends to place his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt abilities to the examination and grow to be the first gentleman to post Muhammad.