“Khabib made it happen” – Charles Oliveira slams Islam Makhachev for not “earning” his title fight at UFC 280
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Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev (L), Charles Oliveira (R)
The gloves have come off in the rivalry between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 280. The Brazilian accuses his opponent of piggy-backing Khabib Nurmagomedov to an “underserved” title shot.
UFC 280 will be headlined by the amazing matchup between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title. The fight is set to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this weekend and Oliveira has been criticizing his opponent for not earning his place for a lightweight title shot.
In the first episode of the UFC 280 Embedded Series, “Do Bronx” is seen saying Islam Makhachev got the title shot purely because of the push by legend Khabib Nurmagomedov. Oliveira believes Makhachev should instead be fighting a top-5 ranked opponent before he fought for the belt.
“I think we have to respect my opponent. Islam is coming with a 10-fight win streak. He is very smart with his game. However, I think he’s been surfing a wave that is not his, but Khabib’s,” said Oliveira on UFC Embedded. “This match is happening because Khabib made it happen. Not by Islam’s own merit,” added the Brazilian.
Charles Oliveira explains why Islam Makhachev does not deserve a title shot
Both fighters of the main event are heading into UFC 280 with impressive winning streaks. Oliveira, the former champion has a streak of 11 fights while Islam Makhachev is coming off a 10-fight winning streak. “Do Bronx” questions the quality of opponents both the fighters have faced in the recent past.
Also read: Charles Oliveira’s 11 vs Islam Makhachev’s 10-fight win streak: Which one is more impressive?
“In my opinion, he should be fighting against a top-five contender. Who’s the ranked opponent that Islam fought? No one. On the other hand, my 11 victories were against 11 good fighters, complete MMA fighters,” said Oliveira on UFC Embedded.
“I fought all the top five…of the 11 victories only one was by decision,” boasted Oliveira in the recent video while explaining the difference between his and Islam’s opponents of the past.
Makhachev has finished 6 of his last 10 fights in the UFC. The fighter has only one loss in his entire UFC career. Oliveira has a chance to prove Makhachev is not at his level this weekend at UFC 280. Who are you rooting for?
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Prateek Athanur
(2974 Articles Published)