Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Oliveira 2 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In one of the matchups on the fight card, Islam Makhachev will take on Charles “Do Bronxs” Oliveira in the UFC Lightweight Title Bout. You can view the full UFC 294 card.

Makhachev brings a unique southpaw fighting stance with an 70″ reach. In contrast, Oliveira, an orthodox fighter, stands with a 74″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 59% striking accuracy, Makhachev has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 2.35 per minute. On the other hand, Oliveira boasts a 53% striking accuracy, landing approximately 3.54 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 33-year-old, Islam Makhachev is coming in with a 24-1-0 record. Makhachev will be fighting for the first time since a win via unanimous decision against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski in February.

Oliveira, meanwhile, is coming off a KO/TKO win against Beneil Dariush on February 11, 2023, at UFC 289: Nunes vs. Aldana and holds a 34-9-0 (1 NC) record.

Islam Makhachev has a southpaw fighting stance with an 70″ reach. The 35-year-old Charles Oliveira is an orthodox fighter with a 74″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Islam Makhachev stats

→ Makhachev’s striking accuracy is 59%.
→ Makhachev lands 2.35 significant strikes per minute.
→ Makhachev’s takedown accuracy is 62%.
→ Makhachev’s takedown average is 3.24 per 15 minutes.
→ Makhachev’s takedown defense is 90%.

Makhachev comes in with 59% striking accuracy, typically landing about 2.35 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Oliveira fires at 53% accuracy, landing about 3.54 significant strikes per minute. Islam Makhachev also has a 62% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 3.24 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Oliveira’s 2.32 takedowns and 55% takedown accuracy.

Charles Oliveira stats

→ Oliveira’s striking accuracy is 53%.
→ Oliveira lands 3.54 significant strikes per minute.
→ Oliveira’s takedown accuracy is 40%.
→ Oliveira’s takedown average is 2.32 per 15 minutes.
→ Oliveira’s takedown defense is 55%.

Charles spent, on average, 6:52 minutes in the Octagon, and Islam has an average fight time of 10:15 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an intriguing clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Islam or Charles? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC 294 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2023, and latest MMA news.