The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is gearing up for a potential rematch at the end of 2023 that could see Charles Oliveira get the opportunity to reclaim his UFC lightweight title from Islam Makhachev. Oliveira, fresh off a remarkable victory over Beneil Dariush at UFC 289, has extended his already impressive record of 20 finishes in the promotion.

The win, coupled with his loss to Makhachev in late 2022, makes him the perfect candidate for the rematch. It will be the second time they grace the octagon, with the first time being a closely contested affair that saw Makhachev come out on top.

Both fighters had unbeaten streaks leading up to their bout, which made their respective records the subject of much contention among their fans and pundits. In a heated debate surrounding their first match, the ripples from that fight have dissipated as they both very recently won their respective contests.

When two legendary lightweights meet in a rematch, the insanity can intensify, as seen from the likes of a few past trilogies, which fans are still discussing, such as those between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard, or Spencer Fisher and Sam Stout.

Makhachev won the first fight handily, with little resistance from Oliveira. He submitted him in the second round via arm-triangle choke after a clean right hand. Makhachev was the favorite going into the first encounter, and likewise, the oddsmakers have backed him again at -350 to Oliveira’s +285 for the upcoming match.

Despite all of Oliveira’s impressive victories, many people hold the view that Makhachev is the better fighter upright. However, Dr. Michael Bisping, UFC’s Hall of Famer, sees Mr. Olives as the most exciting fighter in the UFC at present. Bisping went on to laud Oliveira for his unique method of walking his opponents down, which is remarkably thrilling.

Still, Bisping hesitated to declare him the better fighter compared to Makhachev as he is the reigning champion. Bisping believes that the two best lightweights in UFC will give each other tough challenges and an entertaining match, with new moves and tactics that they both bring to the table.