Charles Oliveira is staying laser-focused on the task at hand.
At UFC 280, Oliveira will face Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title he was forced to vacate after missing weight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. Although it was widely rumored, Oliveira didn’t choose the bout. After beating Gaethje, “Do Bronx” said Makhachev needed another win before fighting for the title, and called instead for a bout against Conor McGregor. Oliveira was able to reclaim his title, despite the fact that his opponent is now in his sights.
“He’s dropping in on a wave, and that’s what he’s supposed to do,” Oliveira said of Makhachev at the UFC 280 press conference. But if you look at my records, you will see that I have fought harder people and that I am here to do it again.
” I’m here for the fight. That’s what I will do, and you will know who is the champ once again.”
The fight is sure to be one of the most anticipated of the year — the uncrowned champion against the man many believe will become lightweight’s new standard-bearer. This fight will be an exciting one for grapplers, since Makhachev, the premier ground-and-pound specialist of the lightweight division is Oliveira, has submitted the most UFC fighters. Oliveira has already stated that he is comfortable going to ground with Makhachev and that “Do Bronx”, who remains in the same position, believes he is the superior fighter.
” The ground is his territory so he will certainly try that. But if he fails, what will it take to bring down the greatest submitter ever in UFC history? I’m not sure,” Oliveira said. The name of Charles Oliveira, the champion’s name is known.
“We’ve seen he is the type of fellow who tries to bring the fight to the ground, but that doesn’t hinder me at all.
If Oliveira beats Makhachev and reclaims the title, a world of opportunity will open up for him, including the possibility of a legacy-defining fight against lightweight GOAT Khabib Nurmagomedov. Many believe that Oliveira’s victory over Makhachev, Nurmagomedov’s friend and successor to the title — could lead to “The Eagle” retiring for one last bout. While fans might find the idea intriguing, Oliveira sees it as a distraction from what is at hand.
“This is a question you need to address to him,” Oliveira said when asked if Khabib may return to fight him. He has retired well. I will be focusing on October fighting, and then returning to Brazil in January to fight.
“We need to respect people’s opinions, decisions. Of course I respect what he has done throughout the years.
The Nurmagomedov bout isn’t the only one that could lie in wait for Oliveira though. A win might set up “Do Bronx” for the lucrative Conor McGregor fight he’s been angling for.
” I don’t feel a particular fondness for [McGregor],” Oliveira when I asked him about him. “This is business and if he brings money, great. He is a bit heavier. I could meet him there if need be. McGregor wants to live a happy life. My attention is on Islam now and the next.”
There’s also another opponent Oliveira could face if he beats Makhachev at UFC 280: Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. Volkanovski has been pushing for Oliveira to fight for the 155-pound title and suggested that they might even compete for UFC’s return to Australia in 2014.
That doesn’t exactly mesh with what Oliveira has planned though, which is to beat Makhachev this fall, and then defend his title on home soil next year, something he has never done before.
“Baby steps. Oliveira stated that my focus is now on Islam and October. “And I know that January is too close to Oct, so I’d fight in Brazil as long as the event continues. For a while, I have wanted to fight in Brazil. I believe that after beating Islam, I might be able to bring the fight to Brazil.”
UFC 280 takes place on Oct. 22 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
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