Islam Makhachev believes that Charles Oliveria’s self-belief is fake as the pairing close in on UFC 280, where they go toe-to-toe for the UFC lightweight championship.
For some time, Islam Makhachev has campaigned to gain the opportunity to fight for UFC gold, with many expecting the Russian to follow in the footsteps of a life-long friend and now coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov. While Islam humbly plays down the comparison, the Dagestan-born has displayed a similar path of dominance in his recent performances inside the Octagon.
On October 22, at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, Islam will have his chance to leave his own legacy behind in the UFC lightweight division.
Although the belt is currently vacant due to Oliveria’s weight miss in his last meeting with Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, the community still strongly believe he is the “unofficial champion”.
In an interview with ESPN, Islam had his own beliefs on Olivera’s confidence and suggested the Brazilian didn’t believe he could beat him deep down.
Islam Makhachev Talks Charles Oliveria
“I don’t think [he believes he can win]. Because, you know, when he beat Chandler, he never say my name, you know? He say Dustin Poirier, but he never say my name. Nate Diaz, he called [out] Nate Diaz. He called [out] Conor [McGregor] many times, but never said my name.”
“He knows it’s gonna be — I am hard fight for everybody because I have always same plan: take them down, hold him there, [smash]. I am terrible fight for everybody. Everybody knows this.”
What do you make of Islam Makhachev’s take on Charles Oliveria? Let us know!
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