Makhachev + Oliveira make weight – Volkanovski not needed at UFC 280

UFC 280 main event WILL go ahead as planned, with Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev making weight… meaning Alexander Volkanovski misses out in bid to step in as emergency replacement

  • There were concerns Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev would miss weight
  • But both men tipped the scales at 154.5lbs, meaning the fight will go ahead
  • UFC had drafted in Alexander Volkanovski as an insurance policy
  • He also made weight but will not be required to take part on Saturday night 

Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev both made weight in Abu Dhabi, meaning the UFC 280 main event will go ahead as planned. 

The promotion had been concerned that one of their fighters, competing in the biggest pay-per-view event of the year so far, would botch the cut. 

The pound-for-pound No 1 Alexander Volkanovski jetted in to act as a possible replacement if one of the main combatants had to pull out. 


Both Charles Oliveira (left) and Islam Makhachev (right) weighed in at 154.5lbs

He also trimmed down to the lightweight limit but will not be required on Saturday, meaning the Australian must wait for his bid at a second title to go with his featherweight crown. 

Both Makhachev and Oliveira tipped the scales under the 155-pound limit at 154.5 and looked comfortable enough on the scales. 

They are large for the division and will refuel and rehydrate over the next 24 hours. 

The slimmed down frames seen on the scales will pump back up and their bodies will look entirely different when they step into the octagon. 

Alexander Volkanovski made weight but will not be fighting as the replacement 

There had been concerns that Oliveira would make the same mistake as against Justin Gaethje

Oliveira was a particular concern for the UFC because he missed weight in his previous win over Justin Gaethje. 

The Brazilian was subsequently stripped of the title and will have to fight Makhachev for the vacant belt this weekend to win it back.

Only one fight was pulled from the card after weigh-ins. 

Zubaira Tukhugov vs Lucas Almeida has been cancelled and the UFC simply described the reason as ‘weight issues’.

Islam Makhachev looked comfortable on the scales and is ready for his title shot




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