UFC 280 main event WILL go ahead as planned after Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev make weight

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The main event of UFC 280 WILL go ahead as scheduled, with Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev maintaining weight…

  • There were concerns that Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev would lose weight
  • But both men tapped at 154.5 pounds, meaning the fight continues
  • UFC had drawn up in Alexander Volkanovski as an insurance policy
  • He also arrived, but does not have to participate on Saturday evening

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Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev both gained weight in Abu Dhabi meaning the UFC 280 main event is going ahead as planned.

The promotion was concerned that one of their fighters, competing in the biggest pay-per-view event of the year yet, would screw up the discount.

The pound-for-pound No. 1 Alexander Volkanovski flew in to act as a possible replacement if one of the main fighters had to withdraw.

Both Charles Oliveira (left) and Islam Makhachev (right) weighed 154.5 pounds

He also trimmed down to the lightweight limit but won’t be needed on Saturday, meaning the Australian will have to await his bid for a second title that will come with his featherweight crown.

Both Makhachev and Oliveira tipped the scales below the 155lb limit at 154.5 and looked comfortable enough on the scale.

They are big for the division and will be fueling and hydrating for the next 24 hours.

The slimmed-down frames seen on the scale will pump up again and their bodies will look very different as they step into the octagon.

Alexander Volkanovski has made weight, but will not fight as the replacement

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

Oliveira was of particular concern to the UFC as he missed weight in his previous win over Justin Gaethje.

The Brazilian was subsequently stripped of the title and will face Makhachev this weekend for the vacant title to win him back.

Only one fight was cleared after weigh-ins.

Zubaira Tukhugov vs Lucas Almeida has been canceled and the UFC described the reason simply as “weight issues.”

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

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