Surging UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev never made it a secret that he wants the lightweight title. With the title now vacant thanks to champion Charles Oliveira’s inability to make weight ahead of his successful defense at UFC 274, Makhachev is calling out the champ once again, telling ESPN that the division has no champion, simply because Oliveira is “not a professional”.
“We don’t have a champion. Charles is a contender. That’s why it’s going to be for the title. I deserve it. I have a 10-fight win streak. [Oliveira] said I don’t deserve this, but he’s asking about Nate Diaz and Conor [McGregor].
Islam Makhachev Demands Oliveira Fight: “He Is Not a Professional!”
I think Charles is a No. 1 contender now. We don’t have a champion because he don’t make weight. He is not a professional.”
Charles Oliveira missed the 155-pound weight limit by half a pound. In doing so, he was allowed to fight at UFC 274, but was ineligible to claim the belt after the fight. In an intense back-and-forth affair, Oliveira managed to secure a rear naked choke finish on challenger Justin Gaethje, which left the belt vacant despite the victory.
Islam Makhachev might be making a name for himself with his penchant for early finishes and his dominant wrestling style, but he is still best known as protege to former lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib actually retired from competition after defending his title against Justin Gaethje, and there is some measure of intrigue as to how Khabib would fare against the most recent lightweight champ.
Islam, predictably, has no shortage of faith in his mentor. He also believes that he can finish Oliveira on the ground.
“This is like an easy fight for Khabib. Khabib have the most dominant grappling from top. He’s going to take him down, hold him there. Very easy. I honestly think this is a very easy fight for Khabib. Stylistically, all of [Oliveira’s] pressure is not going to work against Khabib because Khabib pressures all of his opponents.
We don’t have to say Khabib is going to beat Charles. I’m going to beat Charles. And everybody is going to understand. Honestly, I believe I can finish this guy, and I really want to finish him in the grappling, in his area. I know I can do this.”
Do you think Islam Makhachev can take out Charles Oliveira? Will be do it with a submission? Let us know in the comments.
