Rumored Makhachev vs Poirier + Chimaev vs Whittaker for UFC 294?

[Unheralded Truth]

To begin with, when the event was announced a few days ago it was actually stated that a "highly anticipated championship title bout" is set to headline.
But I haven't seen much talk about it here or elsewhere.

The UFC 294 fight card is yet to be announced, but the event will be headlined by a highly anticipated championship title bout. Last year, a sold-out Etihad Arena witnessed Islam Makhachev become the lightweight champion, when he defeated Charles Oliveira via second round stoppage at UFC 280.

UFC 294 will mark the 18th event UFC has held in Abu Dhabi since UFC 112 in 2010, when legend Anderson Silva squared off against Brazilian compatriot Demian Maia. Since then, some of the biggest names in MMA have performed in the UAE capital including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, and Khamzat Chimaev.

And this Canadian fan posted that he'll come to Abu Dhabi if Makhachev is fighting, to which their tourist board replied:


Add to this, that UFC's video promo for the event is mostly made up by clips of Makhachev and Poirier:


The very next day after this event was announced, we also finally got some clarity on what they plan for Chimaev:


And now on the post fight-presser last night Dana elaborated further, that he's "most likely back in October".

To conclude, here's Dana's personal words about their return to Abu Dhabi. I think it's fair to say that it will be a stacked card with a huge main and co-main event:

Everybody knows how much I love Abu Dhabi and the people there, so we are excited to be returning with another amazing card for UFC 294 this October. Abu Dhabi has been such an important part of the UFC’s overall business for years, and we have seen some incredible events during that time. We have some big plans in store for UFC 294, and I can’t wait for another insane night of fights in October.

Thoughts? Does it seem likely to be the case?

 

[Paulsp]

If Dariush beats Charles they give they shot to him

if Charles wins they probably give it to Justin after yesterdays performance

 

[Kowboy On Sherdog]

 

[phillystyleswag]

That’s a long time for Chimaev and Whittaker to be inactive but it makes sense

 

[Trevis]

It makes zero sense for Dustin to fight for the belt after being finished both times by elite grapplers.

Islam would finish him faster than Charles.

 

[Fatback96]

UFC trying to milk whatever is left of the selling power Dustin absorbed from the Conor fights.

 

[TheWobbler]

Why make them all sit out until october.

 

[FreedomCricket]

Fuck, gotta wait until OCTOBER to see Khamzat again? Lame.

 

[DatSamboKid]

Poirier vs Gaethje 2 is a no-brainer for me

 

[garbohydrates]

It makes zero sense for Dustin to fight for the belt after being finished both times by elite grapplers.

Islam would finish him faster than Charles.

I partially agree with you but Islam needs to build up his resume

 

[Unheralded Truth]

It makes zero sense for Dustin to fight for the belt after being finished both times by elite grapplers.

Islam would finish him faster than Charles.

You're not wrong per se, but there's not that much to choose from in the division.

Gaethje also lost to Khabib and Charles through grappling, but unlike Poirier couldn't finish Chandler on the feet. Dariush would have needed a statement vs Ferguson, because
both Gaethje and Chandler finished him brutally and he wasn't able to. Plus who the hell knows what will happen against Charles, who already lost to Islam.

 

[Danas_right]

Whittaker is probably the worst match up for Khamzat.

Why the hell is Dustin getting a title shot?

 

[Pechan]

Honestly, I would do Justin vs Dustin 2 at Abu Dabhi.

 

[Gregoire1]

Poirier... nooooooo... one more gatekeeper for title shot....

 

[CasualBot]

... vs Whittaker ... makes no sense.

 

[NoSmilez]

Islam has unfinished business with Volk.

 

[Tweak896]

UFC is turning into fight once a year. What a joke. How can you stay fans of any fighter when they only step in once a year?

 

[Asahi]

Early call Witthaker and Poitier both win.

 

[Willie]

I thought it was common knowledge that Islam would fight the winner of Dariush/Oliveira.

 

[Unheralded Truth]

I thought it was common knowledge that Islam would fight the winner of Dariush/Oliveira.

That was only Islam speculating, while making it clear that he doesn't know anything. The UFC have stayed silent apart from saying that Volk 2 won't happen immediately.