Baku Gymnastics Arena: Preview of the June 27 Main Event
The UFC lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira at UFC 325 in Abu Dhabi on June 29, 2024, was postponed after Makhachev suffered a torn ACL in the co-main event against Islam Fiziev on June 27. The bout was rescheduled for UFC 326 in Las Vegas on August 3, with Makhachev’s recovery timeline becoming the focal point of the lightweight division’s biggest story.
Fiziev defeated Torres in a dominant performance at the Heydar Aliyev Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 27, 2026, marking his first victory over an opponent ranked in the UFC’s top 15. The bout was part of a UFC prelim card ahead of the main event, where Makhachev’s injury altered the landscape for UFC 325. According to UFC.com, Fiziev controlled Torres with ground-and-pound exchanges, finishing him in the third round via rear-naked choke. The win extends Fiziev’s undefeated streak to 13-0 and solidifies his position as a rising contender in the lightweight division.
The postponement of Makhachev vs. Oliveira creates a ripple effect in the lightweight division. Oliveira, who had been training for the bout since January 2024, now faces an extended wait. UFC president Dana White confirmed the rescheduling in a statement to ESPN, emphasizing Makhachev’s recovery as the priority. “Islam’s health is the most important thing,” White said. “We’ll get this fight done when he’s ready.”
Fiziev’s victory in Baku also sets up a potential path forward for his career. The 26-year-old, who previously competed in Russia’s ACB promotion, has been on a tear since joining the UFC in 2023. His performance against Torres—who entered the bout ranked No. 14—was met with praise from analysts. “Fiziev showed he can finish top-tier competition,” said UFC analyst Daniel Cormier. “That’s exactly what you want from a title challenger.”
The UFC lightweight division remains one of the most competitive in the sport, with Makhachev’s injury forcing a delay in what was expected to be a marquee matchup. Oliveira, now ranked No. 1, will look to capitalize on the extended break to refine his game. Meanwhile, Fiziev’s rise continues, with his next challenge likely to come against a top-10 opponent in the near future.
For now, the focus remains on Makhachev’s recovery. UFC officials have not set a timeline, but sources close to the fighter suggest he could return as early as October 2026, depending on his rehabilitation progress. If that holds, UFC 326 in Las Vegas would serve as a critical test for both fighters, with the lightweight title still on the line.
The postponement also raises questions about potential interim title opportunities. With Oliveira now the undisputed No. 1 contender, the UFC may explore interim bouts to keep the division active while Makhachev recovers. Former champion Rafael dos Anjos, who recently signed a new UFC contract, could be in line for a title shot if Oliveira’s schedule allows.
The UFC lightweight division’s future hinges on Makhachev’s return and Fiziev’s continued ascent. Both fighters have proven themselves as elite performers, and their paths may intersect again before the year’s end. For now, the sport watches closely as the division navigates this unexpected detour.
The UFC lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira was postponed after Makhachev suffered a torn ACL in a co-main event loss to Islam Fiziev on June 27, 2026. The bout, originally scheduled for UFC 325 in Abu Dhabi, has been rescheduled for UFC 326 in Las Vegas on August 3, pending Makhachev’s recovery.
### Why was the Makhachev vs. Oliveira fight postponed?
Makhachev suffered the injury during his bout against Fiziev at the Heydar Aliyev Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan. According to UFC.com, Fiziev dominated Torres in the preliminary card, finishing him in the third round via rear-naked choke. The win marked Fiziev’s first victory over a top-15-ranked opponent and extended his undefeated streak to 13-0.
### How does this affect the UFC lightweight division?
The postponement creates uncertainty for both fighters. Oliveira, ranked No. 1 in the division, will now face an extended wait for his title shot. UFC president Dana White confirmed the rescheduling, emphasizing Makhachev’s health as the priority. “Islam’s recovery is the most important thing,” White stated. “We’ll get this fight done when he’s ready.”
### Who benefits from the delay?
Fiziev’s rise continues unabated. The 26-year-old, who previously competed in Russia’s ACB promotion, has been on a tear since joining the UFC in 2023. His victory over Torres—ranked No. 14—was met with praise from analysts, including UFC commentator Daniel Cormier. “Fiziev showed he can finish top-tier competition,” Cormier noted. “That’s exactly what you want from a title challenger.”
### What happens next for Oliveira and Makhachev?
Oliveira, now the undisputed No. 1 contender, will use the extended break to refine his game. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s recovery timeline remains the focal point. UFC officials have not set a definitive return date, but sources suggest he could be ready as early as October 2026. If that holds, UFC 326 in Las Vegas will serve as a critical test for both fighters, with the lightweight title still on the line.
### Could there be interim title opportunities?
With Oliveira now the top-ranked fighter, the UFC may explore interim bouts to keep the division active. Former champion Rafael dos Anjos, who recently signed a new UFC contract, could be in line for a title shot if Oliveira’s schedule allows.
### What does this mean for Fiziev’s future?
Fiziev’s victory in Baku sets up a potential path forward for his career. His next challenge is likely to come against a top-10 opponent, with a title shot possibly on the horizon. The UFC lightweight division remains one of the most competitive in the sport, and Fiziev’s rise adds another layer of intrigue.
### When will the rescheduled fight take place?
The UFC has confirmed the rescheduled bout for UFC 326 in Las Vegas on August 3, 2026, pending Makhachev’s recovery. The exact date for his return remains uncertain, but the division’s future hinges on his ability to bounce back from the injury.