Dana White: Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 Won't Headline UFC 297 amid Rumors Makhachev won't return before March, Oliveira fight not happening at UFC 297 A second match between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira won't be the headliner for UFC 297 in January, as per Dana White's statement to ESPN's Brett Okamoto on Sunday. While the likelihood of Oliveira challenging Makhachev's lightweight title remains, White clarified that it depends on both fighters' readiness. #MMA #UFC295 #UFC Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, informed Okamoto that the lightweight champion would likely not be prepared to defend his title until at least March 9. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported plans for Makhachev vs. Oliveira at UFC 297, with the initially planned Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria bout moved to February. Additionally, Helwani mentioned Raquel Pennington vs. Mayra Bueno Silva for the vacant women's bantamweight title on the UFC 297 card. Makhachev holds a record of 25–1