Charles Oliveira Throws Down the Gauntlet; Challenges Islam Makhachev to Start the Fight on the Floor at UFC 280
The lightweight division in the UFC is perhaps the most talent-stacked division at the moment. At present, the division does not have a champion as ‘Do Bronx’ Charles Oliveira was stripped of his belt for missing weight in his title fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274.
Shortly after the fight, UFC President Dana White stated that he still considers Oliveira the champion and he will fight for the vacant belt later this year. A few days back, it was confirmed that ‘Do Bronx’ would take on Islam Makhachev for the vacant 155-pound belt in Abu Dhabi.
In a recent interview Oliveira shared his thoughts on the upcoming fight. He said, “I’m going to his home, where they wanted the fight, where they think they will beat me. I know I’m the biggest problem of this division. No one’s dumb, right? Every guy Islam fought was a striker, and he took them down, and I went toe to toe with every guy I fought and only took them down to make things happen after I hurt them on the feet. Islam is fighting the worst problem of the division, Charles Oliveira.”
‘Do Bronx’ continued, “Want to start the fight on the ground? I’ll start playing guard. It won’t make any difference to me. Again, I’m telling everyone this, I’m the division’s biggest problem and you’re not understanding. I don’t care who it is and when it is. If you want to trade on the feet, come for it, I have firepower in my hands. If you want to take me down, do it.”
Charles Oliveira set to defend his crown in enemy territory
The UFC maintains its tradition of hosting an event in Abu Dhabi after confirming the venue for UFC 280.
Oliveira will be in enemy territory for the fight and will be hoping to reclaim what was taken away from him in a very controversial manner. It will be interesting to see how Oliveira approaches the fight given how the narrative is being played out.
