Islam Makhachev Listed as Significant Favorite in Potential Rematch vs. Charles Oliveira

Past results are clearly influencing the odds for a potential rematch between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira.

According to online oddsmaker BetOnline, Makhachev is currently listed as a -350 favorite for a second meeting with “Do Bronx.” Oliveira, meanwhile, is a +285 underdog. Makhachev was also favored in their first bout at UFC 280, but those odds ranged from -166 to -205.

The lightweights initially squared off for the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 22, 2022. Makhachev claimed the throne with a dominant performance, winning via second-round submission and ending Oliveira’s 11-bout promotional winning streak in the process. Oliveira returned for the first time since that defeat at UFC 289, where he earned a technical knockout over top lightweight contender Beneil Dariush in the first round of the evening’s co-main event. After that emphatic victory, the Brazilian immediately set his sights on a rematch.

Though nothing is set in stone, UFC president Dana White seemed to agree that a return date between Oliveira and Makhachev is the logical next step in the division.

“Let’s not play games,” White said at the UFC 289 post-fight press conference. “That fight makes sense, that’s the fight that should happen, and I’m excited to see it again.”