UFC 280: Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev preview and prediction
By Alec Arritola
Preview and prediction for UFC 280: Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev.
In what is largely considered one the most anticipated matchups of 2022, UFC 280 will feature a clash of titans, with the main event between No. 1 Charles Oliveira and No. 4 Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship title.
After Oliveira’s title was vacated in the infamous UFC 274 weight incident, he went on to defeat Justin Gaethje without getting the belt wrapped around his waist. On Saturday, Oliveira will battle Makhachev in a bid to reclaim the title he feels he never lost.
Other exciting matchups to keep an eye on for UFC 280 include the co-main event between Aljamain Sterling and TJ Dillashaw for the bantamweight championship and another bantamweight battle between Petr Yan and Sean O’Malley, which will determine who fights the winner of the co-main.
Who will be the next lightweight champion, the submission king Charles Oliveira or Khabib’s protege Islam Makhachev?
Since the bout was announced, this matchup has been a hotly debated topic, to say the least. As of this writing, the line for Oliveira seats him as a slight +140 underdog to Makhachev, but the more intriguing details lie in the propositions. According to the lines, most people believe this fight will end in a submission from either Oliveira or Makhachev, followed by KO/TKO probability leaning slightly in Makhachev’s favor.
One factor that must be considered is Oliveira and Makhachev’s strength of schedule, which varies significantly. Oliveira’s last four wins were over high-ranked opponents Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Tony Ferguson. Makhachev’s previous four wins were over Bobby Green, Dan Hooker, Thiago Moises, and Drew Dober.
Despite holding the record for most submissions in the UFC, there is some doubt if Oliveira’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style will hold up against Makhachev’s wrestling/sambo background. It is unlikely Makhachev will try to stay on his feet against Oliveira, as that would put him at a significant disadvantage. If Oliveira can keep the fight on the feet or take Makhachev’s back, he has a real shot at ending the fight quickly. If Makhachev can stay on top of Oliveira and wear him out on the ground, he will have the edge.
Prediction: Charles Oliveira wins via submission
Next. Justin Gaethje gives UFC 280 & UFC 281 predictions. dark