The rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev has the MMA world buzzing as they will collide next week at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. They are both incredible fighters and beloved by the UFC fandom. They are incredibly well-rounded, and it looks to be an entertaining clash. Drew Dober is a former opponent of the lightweight champion and gave his thoughts on the matchup when speaking on the MMA Hour.
The Entertaining Drew Dober
Dober is a fantastic competitor in a stacked 155 division; he is never in a dull fight and always gives it his all when stepping into the octagon. The American fighter has incredible power and can go wherever the contest takes him. He’s coming off a massive win against Rick Glenn. Dober had competed against Makhachev before but came up short that night as he lost by submission. He will look to climb up the rankings, secure a title shot and get his revenge on Makhachev.
Dober On The Champion
As previously stated, the rematch between Makhachev and Oliveira will be an intriguing matchup. Dober outlined how to beat Makhachev in his interview.
“We gotta see how things play out with the grapplers. We’ve got Arman (Tsarukyan), we’ve got Beneil (Dariush), we’ve got (Mateusz) Gamrot. There are some strong grapplers,” Dober said. “I think the key to beating Islam is to dismiss the idea that he’s such a strong wrestler. You have got to be in it.
“Next time I fight Islam, like, I’m wrestling, we’re wrestling, it’s happening. I might even get a takedown or two,” Dober continued.
“That’s what these lightweights need to do. You can’t rely on this avoidance mindset of, ‘We don’t do this, we do this.’ No, you go in there at his best and push him there. These grapplers coming up in the top 10 of the lightweight division, I think they’re going to be giving a solid case against Islam.”
It will be an exciting match at UFC 294, and it is safe to say that Dober will be keeping a close eye on it.
[All quotes via MMA News]
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Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
