Charles Oliveira is all set to go up against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. The last time ‘Do Bronx’ was expected to grace the Octagon with his presence was back at UFC 294 in a title bout against the reigning champion, Islam Makhachev but that appearance was thwarted.
The Heartbreak at UFC 294
That’s right, everyone may be able to recall the fateful moment when the main event was put in danger after Charles Oliveira had to pull out of it. All thanks to an injury. However, did you know that a similar scare appeared for his next bout too? Here’s everything from then to now.
Charles Oliveira’s injury canceled UFC 294 fight
Charles Oliveira wanted to even the score against Islam Makhachev so he could reclaim the lightweight belt that was once his own. However, days before the fight, bad news struck the Brazilian as well as his many fans awaiting the bout.
Oliveira suffered a brutal cut above his right eye during training. The cut was deep and gashing and required stitches to be sealed. If it was a minor cut or a small injury, perhaps he still could have gone ahead and fought Makhachev. But considering the severity of the injury and the magnitude of the fight, the Brazilian’s camp chose the ‘live to fight another day’ option.
The Emotional Apology
The former champion shared an apology after the cancellation of the fight. “Today in my last training here in Brazil, to be able to travel, I ended up suffering a head injury in my training, where I had a deep cut, I think I took 8 [or] 9 points [stitches], something like that,” said Oliveira, “It’s a very deep cut to be able to fight, to be able to recover in this little time I have, and to be able to make a great fight.”
The Substitution and Its Consequences
Everyone who watched knows what happened next. The then featherweight champion of the world, Alexander Volkanovski stepped up to the calling and weighed in against Makhachev. Unfortunately, many believe that this was where his downfall began. Volkanovski suffered a first-round knockout at the champion’s hands and then, months later when he fought Ilia Topuria, he lost yet again via a second-round knockout losing the title. Just like him, now Charles Oliveira has yet again worried fans.
Oliveira suffers a similar injury before UFC 300
In a recent turn of events, it was reported that Charles Oliveira suffered yet another cut above his eye that looked like it had been stitched up. The lightweight champion hasn’t called for the cancellation of the match just yet, however, a picture of him began floating online.
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The Fans’ Concerns and Hope
Fans were noticeably worried about the whole ordeal. What if he pulls out again? They began wondering. Fortunately, so far the former lightweight champion hasn’t shown any indication of pulling out of his fight against Tsarukyan. The UFC 300 card is stacked and many look forward to this fight that could decide Makhachev’s next contender.
Mia’s Note:
The journey of a fighter isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about facing adversity head-on, picking oneself up after a fall, and stepping back into the ring with even greater determination. Charles Oliveira’s story embodies this spirit of resilience, making him not just a fighter, but a true warrior. As we eagerly await UFC 300, let’s send our best wishes to Oliveira for a swift recovery and an electrifying performance in the Octagon.
