Deja vu? Oddsmakers predict another Charles Oliveira loss to Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi | UFC 294

Charles Oliveira will have to defy the odds (again) if he hopes to regain his Lightweight title at UFC 294 inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Oct. 21, 2023.

Dana White just announced that Oliveira will rematch Islam Makhachev when the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion makes it triumphant return to the Middle East this fall season. That’s the exact same location where Makhachev took the belt off “Do Bronx” last in Oct. 2022, defeating the Brazilian via second round submission (watch it).

According to the bookies, they expect a similar outcome one year later.

Opening lines for the UFC 294 main event fight (via BetOnline.ag) have Oliveira opening a +285 dog to Islam Makhachev’s -350 favorite. That’s similar to what the chalk was in their first fight at UFC 280, where Makhachev made beating Oliveira look stunningly easy.

Since then, the sportsbooks have been a bit unsure about “Do Bronx.” He was a slight +100 underdog when fighting Beneil Dariush at UFC 289, but ended up cutting through the top contender like a hot knife through butter (watch the violent finish here). He promised the world that the Charles we saw losing in Abu Dhabi wasn’t the real Charles.

The real Charles, he promised, would show up next time and get his belt back. It’s going to be a tough mental battle, though, according to Daniel Cormier.

“The setting is set for a better fight,” he said when breaking the bout down on his YouTube channel. “But, the setting is also set for a lot of memories that he’s gonna have to conquer. Same hotel, same venue, same location. He’s got to do a lot of mental preparation before he heads back to Abu Dhabi to fight this guy for a second time.”

It’s tough odds for all the incoming challengers for upcoming UFC events. BetOnline.ag also set a line on a potential Israel Adesanya vs. Sean Strickland Middleweight title fight at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia. Adesanya is a -400 favorite to the +330 underdog Strickland.

Back on the UFC 294 card in Abu Dhabi, Khamzat Chimaev is a -400 favorite to beat +330 underdog Paulo Costa. That’s despite Costa being the physically largest opponent Khamzat has ever faced.

What do you think of these odds, Maniacs? Do you see value there or is it all risk for little reward?

For much more on UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi click here.