Video: Though 'it's the game,' did Charles Oliveira have a point about fighting in Abu Dhabi being 'unfair'?

Charles Oliveira recently acknowledged fighting in hostile territory is part of the game for a challenger, but he also did it as champion.

Charles Oliveira gets it, but he also doesn’t think it’s fair he has to fight Islam Makhachev once again in Abu Dhabi, a pro-Makhachev location.

He did so as champion at UFC 280 in October 2022 and now will do so again as a champion for his rematch at UFC 294 this coming October. In a recent interview, Oliveira indicated both acceptance and disapproval of the situation.

So what’s the deal? Should a fighter like Oliveira have to challenge in enemy territory (especially twice)? Or since Makhachev holds the title is that sort of level of elevated respect nullified?

MMA Junkie’s “Spinning Back Clique” panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom, and Danny Segura joined host George Garcia discuss Oliveira’s comments and their thoughts on the protocols in general.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s full “Spinning Back Clique” episode below on YouTube or in podcast form.