Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira will meet again for the lightweight championship at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. The two will meet after Makhachev made Oliveira tap out to capture the title. They are both tremendous fighters, with their styles being heavy grapplers. Current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has given his thoughts on the fight in his latest YouTube video.
The Rematch
As previously stated, Makhachev and Oliveira have met before. Yet the roles were reversed as Oliveira was the champion and Makhachev was the challenger. The current lightweight champion displayed his dominance in their first meeting, which ended in a submission victory. Since then, Makhachev has defeated Volkanovski, and Oliveira has beaten Beneil Dariush. It will be an exciting contest when they clash again, as you feel Oliveira has something to prove. However, Volkanovski believes it will be a tough bout for the challenger.
“I think Charles needs to do a better job of getting back to his feet, pouring the pressure on that way, which could lead to openings, submissions, while he’s building himself back up,” Volkanovski said.
“As Islam is trying to catch him again, maybe leaving his neck vulnerable, then getting him sort of out of position there because on the bottom, you’re not going to get him out of position. Then, on the feet, Charles needs to get Islam for his best bet of winning that fight.”
Alexander Volkanovski on Who’s the Better Grappler
In addition, they are both great grapplers, but Alexander Volkanovski believes that Makhachev has the advantage in that department.
“Who, I think, is a better MMA grappler? I’m going to point to Islam,” Volkanovski said on his YouTube channel. “Jiu-jitsu, we’ll go to Charles. This will be pretty controversial: Even if they did a jiu-jitsu match, who do I think will win? I’d still say Islam.
“I think (Oliveira has) got cleaner, crisper submissions and jiu-jitsu moves. But when it comes to grappling, controlling, and dictating where it all goes, I’ve got Islam all day.”
All quotes via MMA Junkie
Whatever happens, it will be an entertaining fight, as whenever Oliveira is involved, sparks will fly.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
