Islam Makhachev was in the mood for some trash talk.
Makhachev will get his first chance at UFC gold when he takes on Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the UFC 280 headliner October 22 in Abu Dhabi.
While he certainly respects Oliveira, he also has a bone to pick with the Brazilian. That was clearly evidenced in a recent interview previewing the lightweight title fight.
“Charles is very good, he has a very good win streak, he beat a lot of tough opponents,” Makhachev told DC & RC. “But for me, this is embarrassing when the UFC lightweight champion asks someone like Nate Diaz or Conor McGregor, who wins like five years ago — he tried to call Diaz, McGregor [out] but he forgot my name.
“When they ask about me, he says he needs money. But when he fights with Dustin or Justin Gaethje, he don’t think about money. Now when he has to fight with Islam, he says he wants to fight in Brazil or end of the year or he needs some money. [Yes] I think he’s making excuses. This is embarrassing.”
Islam Makhachev: I Really Believe I’ll Smash Oliveira
Of course, the fight is now booked and there’s nowhere to run for either competitor.
As far as the odds go, Makhachev is the favorite while many believe Oliveira’s best chance is to keep the fight standing despite his own prowess on the ground.
But don’t expect that to happen.
Makhachev believes he’ll not only take “Do Bronx” down quick, but also proceed to smash him as he took aim at Oliveira’s losses in the UFC.
“I’m going to take him down very fast… Of course, I really believe [I will smash him easily],” Makhachev added. “Because, brother, he lose in the UFC seven times. He’s not going to be upset if he loses another time.
“People finish him seven times. And this guy champion in my division. I’m very upset because of this.”
Watch the full interview below: