Islam Makhachev (left) and Charles Oliveira (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

The UFC has booked two pivotal fights for its fall schedule, as the promotion has announced that Islam Makhachev will rematch Charles Oliveira, and that Paulo Costa will battle Khamzat Chimaev.

Recently, UFC President Dana White announced that both bouts will be part of UFC 204, which will take place October 21st in Abu Dhabi.

Makhachev (24-1) submitted Oliveira in the second round of their 2022 bout to secure the vacant, lightweight title. Earlier this year, Makhachev recorded a decision win over featherweight champ, Alexander Volkanovski.

Oliveira (34-9), meanwhile, returned to the win column in June by stopping Beneil Dariush in the first round.

Costa (14-2) had been scheduled to fight Ikram Aliskerov at UFC 291, but White confirmed the latter will now face Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 294. Costa hasn’t competed since August, 2022, when he defeated Luke Rockhold by decision.

Chimaev (12-0) also hasn’t fought in 2023, as his last outing was in September, when he submitted Kevin Holland.