Yesterday’s UFC 294 schedule announcement means Charles Oliveira will be a late scratching from the inaugural TAB Eureka Carnival.
Oliveira was a key ambassador for the world’s richest harness race, but his next planned fight, just announced, for the UFC lightweight Championship against Islam Makhachev, has been brought forward to October at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi.
“I was looking forward to not only being part of the TAB Eureka but also getting in the bike to race again,” Oliveira said.
Oliveira, who famously upstaged US superstar Tim Tetrick in 2021, was to have another match race with Aussie champion Luke McCarthy on TAB Eureka night at Menangle (September 2).
“Winning the Championship is my focus with our training camp in full swing, but I’ll be following the build and the big night,” he said.
Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock, who did the deal with Oliveira, were philosophical.
“This fight is an amazing opportunity for Charles, but knowing harness racing can connect with global megastars is equally exciting for our sport,” Aaron Bain said. “It hasn’t worked out this time, but the good news is the template is there to work together in the future,”
“We are looking forward to announcing our slot runner in the coming weeks, and some exciting initiatives to ensure our brand is strongly represented on the night of The TAB Eureka and the build-up to”
