The UFC 280 main event between Russian fighter Islam Makhachev and Brazilian Charles Oliveira is scheduled to take place on October 22 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for the vacant lightweight title. However, Makhachev's childhood friend and undefeated former UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov claimed that Oliveira won't appear for the bout and will be replaced by Iranian-American fighter Beneil Dariush.
Other co-main event on October 22 features bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling taking on former titleholder TJ Dillashaw.
Former UFC lightweight and welterweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov took to his official Twitter handle and claimed, "I just think Charles Oliveira will not show up in Abu Dhabi and the UFC will replace Charles with Beneil Dariush."
Khabib is adamant about Makhachev winning the title no matter who the opponent will be and stated, "Regardless of who the opponent will be, @MAKHACHEVMMA is on his way to becoming the best in the world #ufc280 "
Oliveira was ripped off his belt for missing weight ahead of his last fight against Justin Gaethje. However, he managed a sensational 11-fight win streak. On the other side, Makhachev is riding on a 10-fight win streak.
Beneil Dariush is scheduled to face Mateusz Gamrot on another main event of the UFC 280 on October 22, however, the Iranian born fighter has revealed earlier that he could get a title shot if anything fall apart with the original fixtures.
