After not waiting for a response to Conor McGregor’s challenge, the UFC’s number one ranked lightweight Charles Oliveira has turned his attention back to facing current division champion Islam Makhachev.
“We’ll do what the UFC says, but everyone knows I’m next,” the Brazilian said on another edition of The MMA Hour program. “I’m No. 1 in the rankings, got a big win in my previous fight, and I’m ready to fight like I’ve been fighting. I was ready for this fight until I got the dissection, and I’m next in line.”
If Makhachev gets a title shot at welterweight, Oliveira is ready to fight anyone the organization puts up against him for the interim or vacant title.
“No one has said anything yet, but I want the title. Whoever has the belt, I want it. It’s not about money – I’m fighting to make history and for my legacy. I’m going to keep training and try to get to 100 percent of the shape I was in before this fight.”
The Brazilian also shared his opinion on the fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski, in which the Russian won by technical knockout in the first round.
“I’ve said it before and we saw confirmation that Islam has evolved a lot as a puncher. The way he read this fight – he started punching low, and translated to the head. Kudos to him, and respect to Volkanovski for taking the fight on short notice. Respect to both of them – they are great fighters and Islam is a great champion”
Two days earlier, Islam Makhachev revealed that he could have his next fight in March 2024.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/32987-charlz-olivejra-podtverdil-gotovnost-dratsya-s-islamom-makhachevym.html?rand=19907
