Charles Oliveira has had his championship revoked after failing to make weight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. Since then, the former UFC lightweight champion has fought Conor McGregor before deciding on Islam Makhachev, hoping for a rematch with his guru, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Despite losing his throne, he seems to have sparked the “Might Mouse’s” interest. Despite his inability to pick a winner in the possible Oliveira-Makhachev encounter, ONE Championship star fighter Demetrious Johnson commends both combatants in his interview with Helen Yee. He even says Oliveira is the industry’s greatest lightweight fighter.
He tells Helen Yee, “That’s probably one of the fights that I am looking forward to. Big fan of Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. I’ve seen Oliveira, fought on the same card. And to see him be the champion. Probably the best lightweight in the world. Absolutely a great fight. I can’t pick a winner in that fight. It’s going to be a sick fight.”
This isn’t the first time Johnson has commended Oliveira. Previously, he applauded Oliveira shortly following his match with Justin Gaethje. He writes on Twitter, “Charles is a treat to watch his stand up/ground game is pure mint! love watching him compete probably my favorite LW fighter to watch right now!!”
“Even on the streets”, Charles Oliveira is all prepared to meet with Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev, a lightweight contender, has proven to be a difficult opponent for Charles Oliveira, having a 22-1 MMA record with one loss since joining the UFC in 2015. Islam, who is currently on a roll, will almost certainly cash in for a title bout.
His most likely opponent is “Do Bronx.” He stated that the fight will take place if the price was right.
He tells in The Schmo’s interview, “If it has to be Islam in Abu Dhabi, all good. Just pay me as much as I want and doesn’t matter if it’s Abu Dhabi or even on the streets. I don’t care where we’re going to fight, but it has a price for that.”
Islam Makhachev has been itching to battle ex-UFC lightweight champion Oliveira for the vacant championship, and while the Brazilian wasn’t initially interested, he’s now on board after hearing Nurmagomedov claim Makhachev would take the fight in Brazil and submit him in front of his own home crowd.
