After the retirement of Khabib Nurmagomedov and the loss of the title by Petr Yan, there are no more champions from our country left in the UFC. Perhaps the situation will change very soon: Islam Makhachev is behind the lightweight belt.

True, his potential rival Charles Oliveira is not eager to fight Khabib’s heir. The Brazilian, under various pretexts, is trying to get away from the fight, but it seems that he will not be able to get away from fate. According to new information, the title fight has already been agreed.

Russia will have a new UFC champion?

“We are equal”

The fight with the Brazilian Charles Oliveira may take place in Abu Dhabi as part of the UFC 281 tournament in October, the Championship reports, citing several authoritative resources at once. The heir to Khabib has been waiting for his chance for a long time – after the only defeat in his career from Adrian Martins, the Russian gave out a winning streak of 10 fights. And now, it looks like he will finally be able to compete for the vacant title.

Photo: © Chris Unger / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.com

After the departure of Khabib from mixed martial arts, Oliveira took the championship belt, defeating Michael Chandler. Later, the Brazilian did not allow Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje to become the champion of the organization. True, in the confrontation with the latter, the South American did not make weight, which is why he himself lost the title of a full-fledged champion.

You will do what the boss tells you. Do not forget that we are on an equal footing and both are contenders, ”Makhachev reminded his possible opponent on social networks, who tried to evade the fight, referring to the Russian’s lack of victories over top fighters.

Water carrier or future champion?

Islam Makhachev may not have really crossed paths with fighters who are higher than him in the UFC rating – except for Oliveira himself, these are Poirier and Gaethje. However, this does not mean at all that the 30-year-old Russian does not deserve a title fight. He has already led the card at UFC Fight Night, having successfully dealt with Thiago Moises, and after that he scored two more victories over strong opponents.

The world champion in combat sambo, whose prospects were flattered by Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, in principle, cannot be a passing opponent even for top-class fighters. So talking about the need for another check, which precedes the title fight, is already inappropriate. What then will Oliveira do at this time, who has already figured out the second and third numbers in the UFC rating? Gaining kilograms further, hoping that Makhachev himself will drop out of the race due to force majeure?

Photo: © Chris Unger / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.com

Conor McGregor at one time also called Islam a “water carrier”, believing that Makhachev was not equal to him. Not much time has passed – and now the meeting with the Irish is not interesting for the Russian himself.

“It will be hard for him to even go down to lightweight because he drinks all day. Many will be ready to take it apart in this state, – Sportskeeda quoted Makhachev as saying.

Oliveira should not overcharge himself. Makhachev is the perfect opponent for Charles if he intends to hold onto the title. If the Brazilian manages to defeat our fighter, he will be left without serious opposition for a long time.

However, there are suspicions that the South American is not too confident in his abilities. Fortunately, the decision to organize the fight is not made by him, but by the UFC leadership. And Khabib seems to have convinced the bosses that his heir is ready to take the plunge.