BREAKING NEWS: Islam Makhachev vs. Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira II Targeted for UFC 317 During International Fight Week!

The MMA world is on fire with the latest bombshell: Islam Makhachev vs. Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira II is being targeted for UFC 317, a rematch that could shake the very foundation of the lightweight division.

This isn’t just another fight. It’s a battle for redemption, legacy, and ultimate supremacy. Their first encounter at UFC 280 ended with Makhachev submitting Oliveira in the second round, crowning him as the new lightweight king. But Oliveira never accepted that loss as the final word.

After a dominant comeback performance, the Brazilian warrior has demanded his shot at revenge—and it looks like the UFC is ready to make it happen. But will history repeat itself, or will Oliveira rise from the ashes to reclaim his throne?

Let’s break down everything you need to know about this high-stakes rematch, from what happened in their first fight to why UFC 317 could be the biggest event of the year.

The First Battle: When Makhachev Broke the Bronx

UFC 280: The Moment Everything Changed

Before UFC 280, Charles Oliveira was seen as unstoppable. He had steamrolled through Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, finishing all three with his lethal submission game. His aggressive style, iron will, and ability to thrive in chaos made him one of the most exciting champions in UFC history.

But then came Islam Makhachev.

As a Dagestani grappling machine, Makhachev was touted as the heir to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s throne. With suffocating wrestling and elite submission skills, he was seen as the worst possible matchup for Oliveira. And when they finally clashed, those fears became reality.

What Went Wrong for Oliveira?

• Makhachev controlled the fight from the start. His takedowns were effortless, and he neutralized Oliveira’s dangerous guard game.

• Oliveira’s usual chaos didn’t work. He thrives in wild exchanges, but Makhachev stayed calm and methodical.

• The finish was shocking. In Round 2, Makhachev locked in an arm-triangle choke, forcing Oliveira to tap—something no one expected.

The lightweight throne had a new king, and the Makhachev era had officially begun.

But Oliveira? He never saw this as the end.

The Path to Revenge: Oliveira’s Fierce Comeback

A Statement Win Over Beneil Dariush

If fans thought Oliveira was broken, he had one message for them: “I’m still here.”

At UFC 289, he faced Beneil Dariush, a fighter many believed could have fought for the title himself. The fight was supposed to be a tough test—but Oliveira turned it into a slaughter.

• He demolished Dariush in the first round with vicious ground-and-pound.

• He proved that his striking was sharper than ever.

• He sent a clear message: “I want my belt back.”

After the fight, he made his case loud and clear: “I want Islam Makhachev next.”

Why Oliveira Deserves the Rematch

• He was the most dominant lightweight before Makhachev.

• He finished every top contender before losing the belt.

• He bounced back with an elite win instead of sitting out.

And with UFC 317 falling on International Fight Week, the stars have aligned for the ultimate rematch.

Islam Makhachev: The Unstoppable Champion?

Since Beating Oliveira, Makhachev Has Only Gotten Better

After dismantling Oliveira, Makhachev defended his title twice—both times against featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski.

• In their first fight at UFC 284, Makhachev struggled but won a close decision.

• In the rematch at UFC 294, he left no doubt—knocking out Volkanovski in the first round.

These wins solidified Makhachev’s place as the best lightweight in the world. But now, the rematch with Oliveira looms.

What Makhachev Needs to Prove in the Rematch

• Was his first win over Oliveira a fluke?

• Can he dominate the former champion again?

• Can he truly be considered an all-time great?

Beating Oliveira a second time would cement Makhachev’s legacy. But Oliveira is coming with everything he has—and this time, the fight could look very different.

The Key to Victory: Who Has the Edge?

What Oliveira Must Do to Win

1. Improve his takedown defense – If he can stop Makhachev’s wrestling, he can win the striking battle.

2. Be unpredictable – Instead of attacking recklessly, he must force Makhachev to fight on his terms.

3. Capitalize on striking – We’ve seen Makhachev get hit before. If Oliveira can land clean, he can finish the fight.

What Makhachev Must Do to Win

1. Stick to the game plan – His wrestling is his biggest advantage. He cannot afford to trade shots with Oliveira.

2. Avoid brawling – If he lets Oliveira turn the fight into a wild exchange, it could go badly.

3. Go for the finish early – If he gets Oliveira to the ground, he should aim for a submission or ground-and-pound stoppage quickly.

The fight is as close as it gets—but whoever executes better will walk out of UFC 317 as the undisputed lightweight king.

What’s at Stake? More Than Just the Belt

This fight isn’t just about the UFC lightweight championship. It’s about legacy, redemption, and proving who the best truly is.

• For Oliveira – A win means he erases the memory of his loss and reclaims his throne.

• For Makhachev – A win means he dominates Oliveira again and solidifies himself as one of the greatest lightweights ever.

But one thing is for sure: the MMA world will be watching.

Final Prediction: Who Wins?

This fight is razor-close, but here’s how it could go:

• If Makhachev wrestles smart, he wins by submission or decision.

• If Oliveira lands clean, he wins by knockout or TKO.

Either way, UFC 317 could be an all-time classic.

So, who are you betting on? Will Makhachev reign supreme again, or will Oliveira complete one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history?

Drop your predictions in the comments! The fight world awaits.