The UFC has announced that UFC 281 will take place on October 22, 2023, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The main event will feature a lightweight title unification bout between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira (33-8) is the current UFC lightweight champion. He won the title by defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 262 in May 2021. Oliveira has since defended the title twice, defeating Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
Makhachev (22-1) is the No. 1 ranked lightweight contender. He has won 10 consecutive fights, including a submission victory over Dan Hooker at UFC 267 in October 2021.
The UFC 281 main event is a highly anticipated matchup between two of the best lightweights in the world. Oliveira is a dangerous striker with a ground game to match. Makhachev is a dominant grappler with a sharp striking game.
The UFC 281 co-main event will feature a welterweight title fight between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards. Usman (20-1) is the current UFC welterweight champion. He has won 15 consecutive fights, including a unanimous decision victory over Colby Covington at UFC 268 in November 2021. Edwards (19-3) is the No. 1 ranked welterweight contender. He has won nine consecutive fights, including a unanimous decision victory over Nate Diaz at UFC 263 in June 2021.
The UFC 281 card is shaping up to be one of the most stacked cards of the year. In addition to the main event and co-main event, the card is expected to feature several other exciting matchups.
UFC 281 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for MMA fans. The main event and co-main event are both highly anticipated matchups, and the card is expected to feature several other exciting matchups.