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Islam Makhachev accused of ducking rematch with UFC foe Charles Oliveira: ‘There’s nowhere to run’

Expected to remain sidelined until the start of summer at the very earliest, undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has been accused of avoiding a rematch with Charles Oliveira in his UFC return, according to the Brazilian’s coach.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight titleholder and the current pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter on the promotion’s books, is expected to remain sidelined from the Octagon through an unspecified injury.

Eyeing a return in June at the very earliest, Makhachev has called for a title fight with newly-crowned symbolic BMF champion, Justin Gaethje, before suggesting a November return against either Oliveira, or former opponent, Arman Tsarukyan.