Charles Oliveira seems primed for his belt to return.
The former UFC lightweight champion had a strong parting message for Islam Makhachev and the lightweight division at UFC 280 ceremonial weigh-ins in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
“The lion of the lightweights is still roaring,” Oliveira said via a translation by MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz.
After failing to gain weight at UFC 274., Oliveira lost his UFC title. He defeated Justin Gaethje in the finals and won 11 straight bouts.
His opponent, Islam Makhachev (who has won 10 straight bouts), was clear the favorite of the fans at UFC 280 ceremonial weight-ins.
“Abu Dhabi – Make some noise. Makhachev stated, “We do this tomorrow night in shallah.”
Meanwhile, in the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and T.J. Dillashaw had plenty to say to each other during their heated staredown and afterwards with the UFC’s Jon Anik.
” I’m so excited to be fighting in this arena. Come all the way across the world and put on a show. Dillashaw stated, “Show the motherf***er your f***ing off and make her sleep.”
“Abu Dhabi thank you guys for coming out. This is a stacked card and you guys are in for a great show. I’d like to thank everybody on this card for being great needle movers for this event. You guys can expect a great show tomorrow night. I’m going to put this motherf***er down and going to beat the piss pound sh*t out of him. Guaranteed,” Sterling said.
