Oliveira challenged Khabib to a fight. But our Eagle needs another opponent

Khabib has achieved everything he wanted in mixed martial arts and is in no hurry to resume his professional career. However, this does not stop some fighters – they dream of luring the Eagle into the octagon. So Charles Oliveira wants to challenge the former champion – for the sake of a duel with the legend, he is ready to accept the conditions of the Russian, having revised his own plans.

However, Nurmagomedov is targeting another opponent.

Inscribed a name in history

The return of Khabib Nurmagomedov to the octagon is one of the most anticipated hypothetical events in the world of mixed martial arts. The last time the Russian held an official fight in October 2020. Having defeated the American Justin Gaethje with a choke, Oryol won the 29th victory in his career and decided to end his professional path on this.

Today I want to say that this is my last fight. The only thing I ask is the first place in the ranking “regardless of the weight category.” I deserve it, UFC,” Khabib said after defeating Gaethje.

Khabib Nurmagomedov / Photo: © Josh Hedges / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.com

The UFC management promptly fulfilled Nurmagomedov’s request – a few days passed after the fighter’s 29th success, and he topped the coveted rating. True, Khabib, unfortunately, could not always be at the top. At the same time, the day before, he received invaluable recognition – our hero was included in the UFC Hall of Fame. Thus, the Russian entered the number of timeless legends, writing his name into history.

The status of a legend does not prevent current athletes from dreaming of a duel with Khabib. And the president of the UFC, desperate to lure Nurmagomedov into the octagon, is probably happy with the initiatives of potential rivals. The only problem is that it is now very difficult to interest a 33-year-old Russian.

Oliveira’s complex plan

UFC, let’s do it. Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev in Brazil. I will beat Makhachev, then who knows, maybe Khabib Nurmagomedov will resume his career to fight me. I will beat Islam and challenge Khabib,” said former UFC champion Charles Oliveira.

Charles Oliveira / Photo: © Carmen Mandato / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

Recall that earlier the Brazilian was not eager to fight with Makhachev, under various pretexts refusing to fight against the Russian. Nurmagomedov, on the contrary, did his best to give his countryman a chance to fight for the championship belt. Oliveira’s intention in theory could be of interest to Khabib – which you can’t do for a friend. However, the South American chose too difficult a path to return the legend to the octagon.

Already at the first step, the plan of the Brazilian ex-champion may fail – what if Makhachev himself will deal with him? Even if Oliveira copes with Islam, and Khabib by that time has matured to return to the octagon, why would he return to lightweight?

challenge to the legend

Practical people throw Khabib more realistic options. For example, Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz casually spoke about a hypothetical confrontation between a Russian fighter and Israel Adesanya, who is a middleweight champion.

Theoretically, such a duel could be of interest to Eagle – nevertheless, becoming the strongest in a new category is not an easy task. However, the former lightweight champion hastened to reassure the public, saying that he had no plans to fight the Nigerian.

Does this mean that we will never see Khabib in professional MMA again? There is at least one option that might really interest him. Nurmagomedov named the name of the desired opponent just the other day, challenging the legend.

– Michael Jordan. And do you know why? Because I think I can take him to the ground,” Khabib said on ESPN MMA.

Well, His Highness should consider the offer. Shaquille O’Neal, Karl Malone and Dennis Rodman tried their hand at wrestling. Why shouldn’t Jordan surpass his former colleagues by mastering mixed martial arts?