“Never should’ve had Charles,” UFC legend foresees Charles Oliveira’s rematch against Islam Makhachev as a morale-crushing event until 2025

Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen discusses the upcoming rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev, as well as other probable contenders.

“Never should’ve had Charles,” UFC legend foresees Charles Oliveira’s rematch against Islam Makhachev as a morale-crushing event until 2025

Islam Makhachev vs Charles Oliveira 2 at UFC 294 (Image via Imago )

UFC fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming UFC 294 event in Abu Dhabi. Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will attempt his second title defense. However, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for this bout. Former middleweight title challenger Chael Sonnen expressed some reservations regarding this fight.

In one recent YouTube video, Chael Sonnen delved into various topics. He voiced his concerns about the Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira 2 matchup there. Sonnen argued that the UFC should have reconsidered this fight, especially given the presence of other contenders like Alexander Volkanovski and Justin Gaethje. He believed that Gaethje should have had a title shot after he had rightfully earned it. Sonnen strongly believed that Charles Oliveira should never have been considered for the fight, particularly because he initially turned it down three times. “…we never should’ve had Charles. This never should’ve happened, when he said three times, I’m not doing it, we should’ve said great, but we didn’t…if we say yes to all three, we kill the morale of an entire division until 2025,” Sonnen said.

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In the main event, Makhachev will defend his lightweight title against Charles Oliveira. It is at the same event and in the same revenue same opponent he triumphed over last October at UFC 280. Makhachev’s victory in that match was a dominant performance. He managed to drop Oliveira and secure a second-round win with an arm-triangle choke.

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Charles Oliveira’s recent victory against Beneil Dariush had earned the approval of many fans, ultimately leading to the announcement of this highly anticipated rematch with Makhachev. This highly anticipated vent gradually draws near. The MMA community remains divided on whether this rematch is the right move for the lightweight division.

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Islam Makhachev will not let anyone take away his UFC lightweight title

Islam Makhachev will fight Charles Oliveira at the same venue they fought last year. Speaking with ESPN, Makhachev shared his sentiments, saying he was experiencing a sense of déjà vu, just like last year. In September, he returned to Dubai, stayed in the same hotel, and trained at the same center. He revealed that he feels like nothing has changed. However, he did reveal his desire to cover new cities and countries. Makhachev admitted that the routine can become less thrilling.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev speaks on fighting Charles Oliveira in rematch ( Image source: Getty Images)

Islam Makhachev revealed that he came out without a scratch in the last fight. He said that he did not feel Charles’ power. Makhachev is keen to know if Charles Oliveira has perhaps made some changes. He mentioned that his being the UFC lightweight champion motivates him to keep fighting. Islam Makhachev mentioned that looking at the belt ignites a fierce desire in him to keep it. This serves as his primary motivation.

Makhachev attributed this reason to the source of the energy required to keep pushing himself through rigorous training. He recognized that everyone wished to remove his belt and declared that he would not let anyone take that chance.

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