- Khabib Nurmagomedov is certain Islam Makhachev should fight for the title next against Charles Oliveira
- “The Eagle” has proposed a “perfect” location and date for the said bout
Charles Oliveira may have been stripped of his UFC lightweight title when he faced Justin Gaethje due to missed weight but he quickly proved that he’s out to take back what’s his. In fact, the Brazilian finished Gaethje in the very first round via rear-naked choke.
The lightweight title is still technically vacant, but UFC head honcho Dana White immediately stated that Oliveira will be competing for it in his next fight. His opponent is still yet to be known but former UFC 155-pound king Khabib Nurmagomedov has already pitched a proposal.
All they need is a contract
As things stand, there’s an array of potential title contenders in the lightweight division. This includes, but not limited to, Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, Beneil Dariush and even Conor McGregor, whose return is already looming.
However, Nurmagomedov feels that no other contender deserves a crack at UFC gold but his fellow Russian Islam Makhachev.
“@danawhite you have no other choice but make Oliveira vs Islam fight in AbuDhabi 22 October.
Perfect date, Perfect location,Perfect opponents with perfect winning streaks 10 vs 11,” Nurmagomedov tweeted.
“Why @MAKHACHEVMMA has to do contender fight, if there’s no champion in this division @ufc @danawhite,” he added.
Islam feels the same way
As expected, Makhachev himself also thinks he should be next in line.
“Congrats Charles and see you in AbuDhabi for vacant #UFC274,” the Dagestani fighter wrote.
Though some believe that slating Makhachev for a title shot is not quite in parallel to how the UFC determines who’s who, “The Eagle” has a point as the 30-year-old currently holds one of the best winning streaks in the UFC, having won 10 consecutive fights.