Charles Oliveira Admits Faking Injury to Change UFC Title Fight with Islam Makhachev
UFC’s Charles Oliveira confesses feigning injury to shift title fight vs. Islam Makhachev. Title bout set for Abu Dhabi in October, a year after previous clash at Etihad Arena. Makhachev previously won against Oliveira.
Oliveira’s fitness for October bout briefly uncertain due to alleged injury. Speculation arose over Makhachev’s title defense. Oliveira now confirms lesser injury than suggested.
In The MMA Hour interview, Oliveira, 33, says, ‘Learned to play the game. Was just playing.’ Wanted Nov. Brazil fight, tried date change trick.
After Makhachev loss, Oliveira bounced back with June knockout of Beneil Dariush. Oliveira, ‘Do Bronx,’ was lightweight champ from May ’21 to ’22, stripped.
Lost title due to missing weight before Justin Gaethje fight. Still won, setting up first Makhachev match