Charles Oliveira has been announced to face Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege Islam Makhachev.
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will get another shot at the gold against Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 on Oct. 22 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. The news came during Saturday’s UFC on ABC 3 broadcast.
Charles Oliveira set to fight Islam Makhachev
Oliveira became the first champion in the company’s history to lose his belt on the scales. For his latest outing against Justin Gaethje, Oliveira stepped in half a pound over the championship weight limit. While there was controversy surrounding the accuracy of the scales used for the event, “Do Bronx” was forced to give up his title the moment he stepped inside the cage.
Following Khabib’s retirement and relinquishment of the 155 lb gold, Oliveira snapped up the vacant belt himself, when he knocked out Michael Chandler at UFC 262 in May 2021.
UFC took to Twitter to post the update as well.
The fight you’ve all been asking for 👀@CharlesDoBronxs vs @MakhachevMMA is set for the LW title 👑
[ #UFC280 | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/GhqjbwZ0LM
— UFC (@ufc) July 16, 2022
“The fight you’ve all been asking for @CharlesDoBronxs vs @MakhachevMMA is set for the LW title “
Makhachev ensured that he’ll bring the belt back to Dagestan
Makhachev responded to the tweet ensuring he’ll bring back the title to Dagestan.
October 22, I’m bringing UFC Lightweight Belt back to Dagestan Inshallah @ufc https://t.co/lpmPg1SB4c
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 16, 2022
“October 22, I’m bringing UFC Lightweight Belt back to Dagestan Inshallah@ufc”
Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib retired with an unblemished record of 29-0 at the height of his career. He racked up three title defenses with his final one coming against Gaethje in October 2020.
Since his retirement, Khabib has been rallying for Islam to get a shot at the title and backed him to replicate and even cross his own accolades. Although Makhachev can’t hang up the gloves without a single loss like his mentor, he’s won the chance off the back of a 10-fight win streak.
He’s currently ranked number three in the official rankings and has shown signs of dominance in his wins over Bobby Green, Dan Hooker, Arman Tsarukyan, and Gleison Tibau.
