Adriano Martins predicts the winner of Oliveira vs. Makhachev
Brazilian MMA fighter Adriano Martins holds the distinction of being the only fighter to defeat Islam Makhachev in his professional MMA career. Makhachev has 22 wins and 1 loss in as many fights. The loss came way back in 2015 at UFC 192.
The Dagestani will face what many proclaim as the uncrowned king of the lightweight division, Charles Oliveira in his first shot at the UFC gold. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s apprentice will be looking forward to bringing the belt back home after ‘The Eagle’ retired from the sport following his victory over Justin Gaethje.
Adriano Martins appeared in an interview with MMA Fighting to discuss the outcome of the main event of UFC 280. Interestingly, the Brazilian is a former teammate of Oliveira at Chute Boxe Diego Lima.
“Charles doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone. He’s faced everyone at featherweight and lightweight, he’s in the UFC for 11 years, and has beaten a lot of tough people. Makhachev, although he’s tough and could be a champion in the future, he still has a lot to prove.” Martins said about Oliveira’s run in the UFC.
He added that he envisions a win for his fellow Brazilian. “[Charles Oliveira] is unpredictable and can knock him out and can submit him, and can take a beating. I’d bet on Charles.”
Adriano Martins last victory came against top ranked lightweight contender Islam Makhachev
Adriano Soares Martins is a Brazilian mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of Taura MMA. A professional competitor since 2004, he has previously competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Strikeforce and DREAM and Fight Nights Global. But his biggest claim to fame came when he became the only fighter to knock out Islam Makhachev.
Martins made his UFC debut against Daron Cruickshank on November 9, 2013 at UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson 2. He won via submission due to a straight armbar in the second round. The win also earned him his first Submission of the Night bonus award. He would go on to lose his fight against Donald Cerrone, and went on a two-fight win streak before he fought Dagestani contender, Islam Makhachev.
Prior to the fight, Makhachev was on a 12-fight unbeaten run and had just submitted Leo Kuntz in his UFC debut. The fighters clashed at UFC 192, in a thrilling contest between upcoming warriors of the division.
Makhachev was the aggressor for pretty much the entire fight while it lasted. The usually composed fighter, threw all caution to wind, as he chased Martins for a quick finish. During one of these exchanges, Martins caught him with a hard overhand right hand, that floored Makhachev. The referee quickly jumped in and stopped the fight in the very first hand. Adriano Martins remains the only fighter to have defeated Islam Makhachev in his Pro-MMA career.
MMA page. The Art Of War, posted an observation, that interestingly points out that Adriano Martins hasn’t won a single fight since that spectacular victory. Post that fight, he was released from the UFC after two consecutive losses. He lost four fights, and one was turned into no contest since his bout against Makhachev.
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