Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is set to face Islam Makhachev for the 155-pound title, but “Do Bronx” feels that his opponent hasn’t earned the position. Makhachev famously trained under Oliveira’s predecessor as champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Charles Oliveira feels that Khabib’s influence earned Makhachev his title shot, not Makhachev’s own ability.
Oliveira discussed his doubts as to Makhachev’s credentials on UFC Embedded. “I think we have to respect my opponent. Islam is coming with a 10-fight win streak. He is very smart with his game. However, I think he’s been surfing a wave that is not his, but Khabib’s. That’s the truth.
Oliveira Doubts Makhachev’s Credentials: “This match is happening because Khabib made it happen”
This match is happening because Khabib made it happen. Not by Islam’s own merit. Because in my opinion, he should be fighting against a top-five contender. Who’s the [top] ranked opponent that Islam fought? No one. On the other hand, my 11 victories were against 11 good fighters, complete MMA fighters.
I fought all the top five. Standing or on the ground, I knocked them out, submitted them of the 11 victories only one was by decision.”
Oliveira’s eleven-fight win streak also includes his record for most submissions, and most finishes, in UFC history. Oliveira plans on extending that record at UFC 280.
“Everyone wanted to see this fight over here, but I came in to ruin their expectations. Be sure, it will not pass the first round.
I’m going to shock the world yet again. Well, opinions are subjective and some people believe that I would be a potential winner, he would be a potential winner.
But I’m gonna show that my history, my background, the number of fights I’ve had, my contenders, these will come to show on that very night. In this sense, I’ll shock the world because people will change their opinion about this.”
Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev have both seemed to roll over their opponents of late. Makhachev’s style is to suffocate and overwhelm his opposition using his wrestling prowess. Charles Oliveira, on the other hand, endures knockdowns and takedowns in pursuit of finishes against his opponents. Oliveira might lose rounds here and there, but he has not lost a fight in any of his last eleven engagements. Ultimately, this fight may well come down to their opposed grappling styles, pitting Oliveira’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu against Makhachev’s Russian sambo.
Do you think Charles Oliveira is right about Islam Makhachev, or is he fatally underestimating his opponent? Let us know in the comments.
