‘I’ve Fought Tougher People’- Charles Oliveira Doesn’t Favor Islam Makhachev’s Odds Against the ‘Best Submitter in the History of the UFC’

Posted on by Matt James

Top UFC lightweight Charles Oliveira spoke out at the UFC 280 presser following his fight announcement against Islam Makhachev. The vacant 155-pound strap will be on the line, and many fans look at this bout as the best in the UFC’s calendar year.

Moreover, since Charles Oliveira didn’t truly lose his title, he’s looked at by many as the unofficial UFC lightweight champion. ‘Do Bronx’ has used this narrative to his favor and has gladly accepted the tag as the uncrowned champion of the division.

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Charles Oliveira isn’t threatened by Islam Makhachev’s ground game

‘Do Bronx’ stated that he’s faced tougher competition than Islam Makhachev so far in his UFC tenure. Given the recent wins he’s accrued over names like Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev, it’s easy to see where he’s coming from.

“He’s dropping in on a wave, and that’s what he’s supposed to do. But if you’ve seen my record, I’ve fought tougher people, and I’m here to prove that I’ll do it again.”

“I’m here to fight. That’s what I will do, and you will know who is the champ once again.”

Additionally, Charles Oliveira pushed away the threat of Islam Makhachev’s ground game and he’s certain that the mat will remain his stronghold. He holds the most number of submissions in the history of the company and this has understandably given Oliveira tremendous confidence in his own skills.

“The ground is his turf so he will definitely try to do that, but if he does, will he want to do and bring down the best submitter in the history of the UFC? I’m not sure,” Oliveira said. “The name of the champion is well known, and his name is Charles Oliveira.” [h/t mmafighting.com]

“We’ve seen he is the type of fellow who tries to bring the fight to the ground, but that doesn’t hinder me at all. So I’m ready for everything that he brings.”

One thing is for certain, Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev might be one of the most hyped lightweight fights since UFC 229’s Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor.

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