Just 11 days before the highly anticipated lightweight title rematch against Islam Makhachev, martial artist Charles Oliveira withdrew from the fight. The fight was scheduled for Oct. 21, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, but is now set to continue with Alexander Volkanovski facing off in Oliveira’s place. 

Oliveira’s withdrawal was due to a deep, large cut in his eyebrow, sustained while sparring on Tuesday. According to Dana White, CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Oliveira’s team decided to get him stitches, instead of contacting UFC, who say they could have given him plastic surgery and kept him available for the fight. 

Volkanovski, a highly regarded fighter who agreed to the terms on short notice, will now get his rematch against Makhachev, whom he lost to in their last fight. 

Mateusz Gamrot, originally Oliveira’s backup fighter, was not selected; instead, the UFC opted to showcase their top-class fighters, swapping him for Volkanovski. 

A year-and-a-half ago, Oliveira faced a huge letdown when he lost his belt against Justin Gaethje, due to missing weight in his title defense. Since then, Oliveira has bounced back, defeating Beneil Dariush and setting up his rematch against Makhachev. 

Makhachev and Volkanovski fought at UFC 284, where Makhachev won in a close unanimous decision. Makhachev has 12 consecutive wins and has proven himself as a great opponent. 

With the sudden turn of events, the main event for UFC 294 is set for an interesting and exciting rematch, just not the one people were expecting.