“This Fight Can Be Biggest Fight in UFC of 2022”- Khabib Nurmagomedov on Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev
For some time now, the UFC’s lightweight division has been its most talent stacked division. The likes of Islam Makhachev, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira, among others sit atop a division that is brimming with talent. Almost a year ago, ‘Do Bronx’ secured his place as the champion with a brilliant come from behind win over Michael Chandler to win the UFC belt 11-years after his UFC debut.
Since then he has gone on to defend his belt against the likes of Dustin Poirier and more recently Justin Gaethje. Unfortunately for Oliveira, missing weight for a title fight means his next fight will be for the vacant belt.
Former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has been campaigning for his friend and long-time training partner Islam Makhachev to get the next title shot. ‘The Eagle’ believes this is the fight to make given they are on a combined 21-fight win streak at the moment.
In a recent interview, he went a step further he said, “Of course I am going to promote him (Makhachev) because he have 10 win streak. He did not lose more than seven years. He dominate everyone, it is like who else? Charles vs Islam this is the biggest fight in the UFC today… so many good options like Abu Dhabi, Brazil, Vegas.”
‘The Eagle’ continued, “Anywhere if these two guys fight, of course Dana White gonna be involved he is the President of the UFC, I am going to be involved big brother and long-time sparring partner of Islam Makhachev… This fight can be one of the biggest this year. If we promote this fight right, this fight can be like biggest fight in UFC of 2022.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov being over-ambitious with Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev?
There is no doubt that a fight between Oliveira and Makhachev will be a big fight for the UFC. However, both Oliveira and Makhachev are nowhere near to being the top draws in the promotion.
Therefore, the statement of it being the biggest fight in 2022 might not be entirely right especially if Conor McGregor makes his return this year.
