Islam Makhachev thinks Charles Oliveira is his toughest potential opponent (Video)
Islam Makhachev thinks Charles Oliveira is his toughest potential opponent.
UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev is looking forward to a matchup with Charles Oliveira but acknowledges it’ll be by far his toughest potential test.
First thing’s first for Makhachev, who will face Bobby Green in the UFC Vegas 49 main event. He was originally supposed to face Beneil Dariush before he withdrew with an injury.
Makhachev has called for a title fight if he can get past Green this weekend. He’s also predicting that Oliveira will get the better of Justin Gaethje at UFC 274.
If Makhachev is correct, he’ll earn a matchup with the champion to complete his dominant title run.
During his UFC Vegas 49 pre-fight press conference, he explained why Oliveira would probably give him the most fits out of any other UFC fighter on the roster.
“It’s gonna be a good fight because we almost have the same style,” Makhachev said. “He has good grappling skills, good striking. I don’t think it’ll be hard for me, but his grappling skills are high level. We’ll end up seeing who is better there.”
Islam Makhachev is on the verge of a lightweight title shot
Makhachev has won nine in a row with three straight coming via submission. He’s a protege of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and is looking to create his legacy in the octagon.
If Makhachev can earn another dominant win at UFC Vegas 49, he could very well get the next title shot. He’s continuing to chase Oliveira and reclaim the lightweight throne for his home nation of Dagestan.
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