Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira suffered a minor injury that forced him out of UFC 288 next month.
News of Oliveira’s withdrawal was first reported by ESPN Deportes.
Oliveira was supposed to face Beneil Dariush in a pivotal lightweight co-main event. The winner could’ve gotten the next title shot against Islam Makhachev.
As of now, the UFC is reportedly planning to schedule the bout for a new date later this year. The promotion could potentially schedule it for either UFC 289 or UFC 290, depending on the severity of Oliveira’s injury.
It’s a frustrating setback for Oliveira, who had seemed highly motivated for his clash with Dariush.
Charles Oliveira Reportedly Suffered Minor Injury Ahead Of UFC 288
Dariush, who has long called for a lightweight title shot, will likely stay intact with the Oliveira matchup. He has won eight straight fights, including most recently over Mateusz Gamrot last October.
Dariush has defeated the likes of Tony Ferguson, Drakkar Klose, and Drew Dober on his way into the lightweight title picture.
Charles Oliveira lost to Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280. He was stripped of the lightweight belt after a botched weight cut ahead of his UFC 274 fight against Justin Gaethje.
UFC 288 is now two fights thin after the featherweight matchup between Bryce Mitchell and Jonathan Pearce was canceled. However, the UFC is looking for a replacement to face Mitchell.
We’ll bring you the latest on this developing story as it unfolds.