“Everything was just promoting the fight” – Charles Oliveira reveals what Khabib said to him after his loss at UFC 280
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Charles Oliveira (L) and Khabib Nurmagomedov (R) share a moment of respect after the former's loss to islam Makhachev
Although things tend to heat up in the build up to a heavily anticipated fight, the aftermath of the events in question is relatively calmer, on most occasions.
The same can be said of UFC 280. In the build-up to the event, words were exchanged between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev’s team. However, the aftermath was a completely different affair – Islam Makhachev made it a point to give props to his most formidable opponent yet, and Charles Oliveira accepted defeat in graceful fashion.
There was, just after the fight, a moment that was captured on camera, that got the fans talking. Immediately after Oliveira’s loss, the Brazilian could be seen in conversation with Khabib Nurmagomedov, ex-lightweight champion, and now Islam Makhachev’s mentor and coach.
Speaking to the media after the fight, Charles Oliveira revealed what the UFC legend said. He dished on it, saying, “Man, this is a sport that… we know what it’s all about, and we actually have to promote fights… he came up to me and just basically said that everything was just promoting the fight, that he had respect for me.” In the following video, the moment can be witnessed starting 0:57.
To sum up Khabib’s words, Oliveira spoke, “All he was doing was basically saying that he respects me and that it was all part of the game.”
Charles Oliveira thanks his crew for their immense support during this fight week
Charles Oliveira showed great bravery to accept the fight in Abu Dhabi – the part of the world where fighters like Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov are idolized. He knew he would have his task cut out for him, as the Abu Dhabi crowd would act like home support for his fellow title protagonist, Islam Makhachev.
Showing his support for his team who travelled with him halfway across the globe, he said, “We are a family, man; we win together, we lose together, we are always going to be together.” Continuing, he said, “The only thing, I apologize for not winning tonight, but certainly they are going to be around me, so it (the belt) can come back.
Truly, the love and support that his team of coaches, teammates, and also, his family showed to him is something to marvel at. A constant fixture this week was Oliveira’s 25-man odd team standing beside him during all his media obligations, exemplifying brotherhood.
Charles Oliveira lost yesterday to Islam Makhachev, and could not regain his belt. However, given his heart, he is sure to make a quick recovery, and maybe even fight for the belt again, in the near future. He made the likes of Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje look like easy work – bouncing back will only be a small challenge for “Do Bronx”.
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Udayan Mukherjee
(382 Articles Published)