Charles Oliveira is in Abu Dhabi this week, and according to him, he is going to beat strong opponent, Islam and shock the world, as his opponent does not deserve a shot at the title.
It’s just he’s not entirely convinced Islam Makhachev deserves a shot at what the Brazilian considers still his UFC lightweight title. Both athletes would be fighting for the lightweight championship.
On Wednesday, Oliveira gave a statement, three days out from his headline battle for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280 at Etihad Arena.
“Islam deserves all the respect in the world, but he should’ve fought somebody maybe in the top five, like I did. Not just surf on someone else’s wave and skip the line.”
According to Oliviera, Islam is thriving under the shadow of Retired former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He said:
“For sure, this fight is only happening because of him. It’s for the history and for everything he’s done. If it was any other guy, [Makhachev] would have had to walk the walk I had to walk, knocking on people’s doors, trying to get into a top-five [fight].”
Charles is the UFC record-holder for both finishes (19) and submissions (16), casting behind a career once seemingly set for disappointment to climb to the lightweight summit.
Oliveira, 33-8 in professional MMA, was pared of the belt in May when he missed weight, narrowly, before his scheduled defence against Justin Gaethje.
Admirably, he went on to defeat Gaethje the following day, triumphing by second-round TKO. His win streak sits now at 11.
Makhachev, meanwhile, has won 10 on the bounce, even if he is yet to face a top contender at 155lbs. Regardless, Nurmagomedov and team have repeatedly ratcheted the needle in the build-up to Saturday night.
For them, Makhachev is heir apparent to the lightweight throne. Oliveira, they suggest, is simply in the way.
“I think they’re just talking a lot of crap,” the Sao Paulo-born athlete said. “And whenever we close that gate and we’re inside the octagon we get to see the real champion.”
“It’s not even like it crosses my mind [that Makhachev’s team talk trash]. They’re putting the wrong guy on the pedestal. The champion has a name and it’s Charles Oliveira. I’m the best in this division and I’m a problem for this division.”
