Charles Oliveira was initially scheduled to go up against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. Unfortunately, an injury above his eye forced Oliveira to withdraw from the fight just days before the event. This unexpected ordeal led to Alexander Volkanovski stepping in on short notice to replace him.

Makhachev emerged victorious in his bout against Volkanovski and is currently taking a break. Amidst all of this, a question looms regarding Makhachev’s next opponent. Dana White had previously asserted that Oliveira remains the leading candidate to face Makhachev, but nothing has been officially confirmed as of yet. Nevertheless, a dispute has arisen between Ariel Helwani and Ali Abdelaziz regarding this matter.

Ali Abdelaziz calls out Ariel Helwani for fake news

MMA journalist Ariel Helwani revealed that UFC has a plan for Charles Oliveira and his rematch against Islam Makhachev. Despite no official confirmation being made by any party, Helwani took to his Twitter to announce Oliveira vs. Makhachev as the potential main event for the January 20 card in Toronto. The news has caused a stir amongst the fans who had a mixed response to it.

Helwani’s latest escapade seems to have touched Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelziz’s nerve. The manager, in a series of tweets, disregarded Helwani’s claim and stated that people shouldn’t take information from fake sources. Abdelaziz, in a tweet stated ” Fake news @MAKHACHEVMMA fighting Charles Oliveira in January”

He added another tweet personally attacking Helwani. Abdelaziz added, ” Guys, please don’t listen to people who can’t even get credentials to UFC events fake news bi**h.”  With Abdelaziz’s clarification, Helwani’s stance seems to be fake. However, nothing has been decided yet since Dana White seems to be leaning towards giving Oliveira a chance.

Dana White Reveals Makhachev’s Next Opponent at UFC 294 Post-Fight Interview

In the post-fight interview at UFC 294, Dana White fielded a range of inquiries concerning the lightweight division’s future. Amid the discussion, a reporter inquired about Makhachev’s upcoming opponent and the fighter who would be next in line for a title shot. White stated that Charles Oliveira will be Makhachev’s next opponent.

Read More: Dana White Snubs Team Khabib to Decide Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje’s Demands as Islam Makhachev Wants an Opponent Post-UFC 294

White stated, “Listen, you’ve got to give it to Oliveira. Oliveira is ready to go; unfortunately, he got a cut. I think we give it to Oliveira. But again, these are all questions that I really can’t answer right now. We get home, we figure it out, and see what’s next for everybody.”

With both Gaethje and Oliveira emerging as potential candidates for a title shot, who are you siding with? And what do you make of the contrasting claims from Abdelaziz and Helwani? Tell us in the comments below.

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