“Could be extremely boring” – Justin Gaethje gives an UNEXPECTED prediction for Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev’s title fight
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Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev (L-R)
Charles Oliveira takes on Islam Makhachev in a highly touted lightweight championship bout at UFC 280, in less than two weeks.
When Charles Oliveira defeated Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, the commentary line used by Daniel Cormier stood out amongst others. He had said, “Who’s gonna stop him?”. This rings somewhat true given the fact that Oliveira has already defeated #2 Dustin Poirier, #3 Justin Gaethje and #5 Michael Chandler in the 155-pound division.
The only possible immediate opponents for “Do Bronx” were either Alexander Volkanovski or Islam Makhachev. Given the nature of his wins in the lightweight division, Islam Makhachev was given the chance to step up to the mantle. While both have obvious paths to victory, Islam Makhachev has opened as a favourite heading into Abu Dhabi.
Charles Oliveira defeated Justin Gaethje via rear naked choke at the Footprint Centre in Arizona. Now, Gaethje has had his say about who sees coming out on top, between the Brazilian and the Russian.
Speaking to Mike Heck, he said, “It could be an amazing fight, but it could be extremely boring. Makhachev probably wins by decision, but Oliveira’s been super impressive. I think whoever is hanging out on their back foot is going to lose.”
Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev’s last 3 wins have come by finish
Justin Gaethje has predicted Islam Makhachev taking Charles Oliveira to a decision victory. Undoubtedly, Gaethje implied Makhachev using his salient grappling to win on the scorecard.
However, that is not how either of their fighters’ recent bouts have played out.
Speaking of Islam Makhachev first, the Russian has finished his last 4 opponents in the octagon. Going back to 2021, he submitted Drew Dober in the 3rd round. In his previous 3 fights, he has submitted Thiago Moises and Dan Hooker and finished Bobby Green on the ground; respectively.
Charles Oliveira also has a mixed bag of finishes. He is known foremost for getting fighters’ backs and choking them out. That is what happened to Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. On the other hand, he TKO’d Michael Chandler in the second round of their title bout in 2021. Interestingly, Oliveira has been dropped each time in his last three fights, however, he has come back stronger to finish his opponents.
The lightweight title is vacant at the minute. Because Oliveira missed weight against Justin Gaethje before their bout in May, he was stripped of the title. While he will contest Makhachev for the 155 pound crown, most fight fans believe “Do Bronx” is the de facto champion.
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Udayan Mukherjee
(382 Articles Published)