Dana White: Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 next ‘makes sense’ | UFC 289

Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2? Dana White wants to see it.

Oliveira ran through Beneil Daruish in UFC 289’s pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event last night (Sat., Jun 10, 2023), finishing the No. 4-ranked Lightweight in the first round via technical knockout from inside Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (watch highlights). The Dariush stoppage was Oliveira’s 20th finish inside the Octagon, a remarkable stat that he owns exclusively.

The impressive UFC 289 win also put Oliveira in an interesting position because he just beat the guy who was “guaranteed” a Lightweight title shot if he were to win, but he also just lost to the current champion eight months ago at UFC 280 (watch highlights).

UFC’s president didn’t guarantee a rematch against Makhachev for Oliveira, but he said it makes sense.

“He looked like a world-beater tonight, and I’m excited for him and Islam to fight again,” White told reporters during UFC 289’s press conference. “It’s the thing that makes sense. I’ll tell you on Tuesday. But yeah, I mean, let’s not play games; that fight makes sense. That’s the fight that should happen. And I’m excited to see it again.”

Another fight that looms over “Do Bronx” and the 155-pound title picture is the upcoming “BMF” title fight between the No. 2- and No. 3-ranked fighters Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 291. The winner of that fight would be a fresh matchup for Makhachev.

White was asked about Makhachev wanting to fight a new opponent.

“There’s a lot of things that go into consideration for the next [title] fight,” White said. “I mean, I’m sitting here talking to you about him right now, and I don’t even know what’s wrong with him. He’s in medicals. I don’t know where he’s at and what he’s got planned over the summer. The list goes on and on of things that factor into how fights are made. But I’m just telling you right here right now [Makhachev vs. Oliveira] is a fight I’d like to see again.”

Makhachev isn’t fighting until the promotion returns to Abu Dhabi in October, so there is still time to decide who gets next.

For complete UFC 289 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.