Islam Makhachev has been confirmed to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi for the lightweight championship. The rematch will headline the event at the Etihad Arena on Oct. 21. Brazil’s Oliveira lost the title to Russia’s Makhachev at UFC 280 last year in Abu Dhabi — and will be looking for revenge. Also confirmed for UFC 294 is a middleweight bout between Sweden’s Khamzat Chimaev and Brazil’s Paulo Costa. Chimaev catapulted to fame during Abu Dhabi’s “Fight Island” series of events during the COVID-19 lockdown, fighting in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Since he last fought in September 2022 at a catchweight, there has been a lot of speculation about the division in which he would compete. UFC 294 marks the 18th event by the company in Abu Dhabi. A showdown week will take place featuring meet-and-greets and fan events. UFC President Dana White reportedly commented: “I love Abu Dhabi. I tell you all the time. They have the best restaurants, the best shopping, unbelievable service; you literally could not ask for a better destination for a fight.” Tickets are on sale from the Etihad Arena website.