Khabib Nurmagomedov feels Charles Oliveira wouldn’t be holding on to his belt for a long time
Oliveira became the 11th lightweight champion after beating Michael Chandler at UFC 262. He was also the first LW champion since Khabib Nurmagomedov.
After almost 11 years in the promotion, Oliveira finally had his day, as he outshined the explosive UFC newcomer, Chandler.
The Brazilian will now have a series of tough title defenses coming up, with the first one being the winner of Dustin Poirier vs Conor McGregor at UFC 264.
More recently, Khabib spoke to RT Sport in an interview and explained that he felt Oliveira wouldn’t be the champion when his fellow Dagestani brother Islam Makhachev makes his way up in the lightweight rankings.
Khabib felt that it would be ‘The Diamond’ Dustin Poirier who would be the champion in probably a year:
“I don’t think he’ll be champion when Islam rises to that level. It’s important that Oliveira doesn’t misinterpret my words. I respect him. I just think when Islam goes up the rankings after a year there’ll be another champion. I think it will be Dustin Poirier.” [via RT Sport YouTube]
Khabib and Poirier fought once at UFC 242, as Khabib put on a clinic to successfully defend his title via. submission.
Islam Makhachev has been quietly rising up the ranks of the lightweight division. The Dagestani is currently on a 7-fight win streak and hasn’t lost since October 2015. He is now ranked number 9 in the lightweight division.
Khabib believes that the Dagestani would be able to beat Charles Oliveira, if they ever fought.
Khabib told RT Sport, when asked if Makhachev could beat Oliveira – “Of course, I’ll say yes.”
The fight would probably be an even matchup, given the styles of both the fighters. It would be a treat to match since Makhachev and Oliveira predominantly take their fight to the ground.
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