Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals next opponent for Islam Makhachev, if the latter beats Charles Oliveira at UFC 280
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Nurmagomedov wishes his teammate Makhachev make his first title defense against this opponent.
Due to people like Will Harris and his series Anatomy of A Fighter, MMA Fans can have a deep look into the rise of Islam Makhachev and the involvement of Khabib Nurmagomedov in it. As Makhachev prepares for his first title shot at UFC 280 against Charles Oliveira, fans got a look into his previous fight and how some predictions back then manifested.
The series surrounding the Dagestani team released its first episode in the UFC 280 segment. The episode started backstage at Makhachev’s fight against Bobby Green. At UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev was originally supposed to face fellow top contender Beneil Dariush.
However, since Dariush pulled out of the fight citing an injury, he was replaced by Bobby Green, who had just fought two weeks ago against Nasrat Haqparast. In the fight, Makhachev made quick work of Green and defeated him via TKO in the very first round.
Shortly after, Nurmagomedov caught up with Harris backstage and informed him about the plan forward. He insisted that after Makhachev defeats Oliveira at UFC 280, ‘The Eagle’ would like his team mate to defend the title against Beneil Dariush. “Then if Beneil come back and gets a few wins, Islam’s first title defense should be against Dariush”, said the former 155-pound champion.
Will Islam Makhachev be able to dethrone Charles Oliveira?
Many are hopeful that Islam Makhachev will walk in and out of UFC 280 with a quick victory. This list includes people like Khabib Nurmagomedov, who during UFC 242, displayed his title next to Makhachev during a press conference. By this gesture, ‘The Eagle’ signalled the lightweight throne would belong to Makhachev after his retirement.
However, many still are worried that he’s being pushed too far, too soon. Both Oliveira and Makhachev are on incredible win streaks, with Oliveira having shown a significant jump in his skills ever since he gained the championship.
While Oliveira has the most submissions in UFC history, some fans and critics argue that Makhachev’s suffocating grappling may not leave the Brazilian with much to do. A favourite going into the fight, it will be interesting to see if Makhachev beats Oliveira and becomes lightweight champion. Fans will also look forward to seeing if the Russian can replicate a similar legacy to that of Nurmagomedov.
Despite Nurmagomedov wanting his pupil to face Dariush in his first title defense, it may not play out like that. Currently the one who looks most poised to be next in line for the title shot is current featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski. The Aussie has even hinted at being a backup fighter for UFC 280. With the promotion returning to Australia in February, Volkanovski may just have his shot at becoming the fifth double champ in UFC history.
Also Read: Is Islam Makhachev the bogeyman of UFC? Fans chime in on interesting debate
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Jerin Mathew
(713 Articles Published)