Khabib Nurmagom3edov had some words for Charles Oliveira following his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280.
Khabib Speaks To Charles Oliveira
Headlining UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, Islam Makhachev became the new lightweight champion of the world when he submitted Charles Oliveira.
In Makhachev’s corner has been his longtime friend and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, a former 155-pound champion himself, and UFC Hall Of Famer.
Having Nurmagomedov in Makhachev’s corner has been a huge help for him, and perhaps even played a key part in the title win.
There was talk that, should Oliveira had came out on top, it could have persuaded Nurmagomedov to come out of retirement to avenge his friend.
This led to some trash talk between Oliveira and Nurmagomedov through the media leading up to the fight.
However, now that the dust has settled on the situation, Nurmagomedov actually had some kind words for Oliveira after the fight concluded.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Oliveira reveals what “The Eagle” had to say to him.
“This is a sport that – we know exactly hat it’s all about, and we actually have to promote fights. And this is exactly what we did.
“And the things that we have to do to promote them. He [Khabib] came up to me and just basically said that everything was just promoting the fight, and he had respect for me –
“I mean, he is a great champion, and he has an amazing journey in the sport. And now he has a great champion next to him.
“And all he was saying was that he respects me and it was all part of the game – and that’s what it is.”
In a statement, Oliveira said he’d use this setback as a catalyst for success in the future.
“A wounded lion is a more dangerous animal, and I’m going to go back and hunt again,” Oliveira said.
As for Makhachev, it will be interesting to see what’s next for him in his first title defense. Perhaps a champion vs. champion fight against Alexander Volkanovski.
