- Charles Oliveira sends a message to Islam Makhachev and his team.
- Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz responds.
Former UFC champion Charles Oliveira is getting ready to fight for his lost title at UFC 280. He will be taking on Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 22. The bout is a much-anticipated one that will pit two of the best 155-pounders against each other. Until now there was not too much trash talking coming from these two fighters but as the date gets closer the excitement and tension seem to be building.
When the bout was first announced, Oliveira gave some indication that he was not happy going into Makhachev’s “territory” for the fight. He originally was campaigning for the fight to take place in Brazil, but the UFC has no plans to return to Oliveira’s home country in the near future.
Oliveira was recently interviewed by the Brazilian podcast MMA Hoje in which he sends a message to Makhachev, his management, and his coach Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“There’s one thing I need to tell you. I want to tell you,” he said. “They’re being arrogant, and that’s what will kill them. The arrogance from their manager, from former fighters will kill them. No one will ever hit me harder than life already hit me. I’m a guy that escaped a heart-blowing condition. Rheumatism on my bones that even the doctor said I would never fight again. I’m coming to your house, my friend, to fight you. To make history and keep my legacy going as the UFC lightweight champion. You’re talking a lot of sh-t. Like I’ve always respected all of you. But you better pay attention, so don’t cry about it later. That’s all I have to say.”
Islam Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has responded
Makhachev has some well-known MMA people around him. He is notoriously trained by former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagmedov and his manager is prominent MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz. Some people credit these two men for the quick rise of Makhachev in the UFC instead of his actual skills. Makhachev is often called “The next Khabib” and with similar backgrounds and fighting styles, it is easy to see why. However, Makhachev’s performances in the cage speak for themselves. He is 22-1 in his professional career and has won ten in a row in the UFC.
@CharlesDoBronxs I just heard you said we are arrogant we know you’re a great champion and the great human being we know you’re very tough this is not personal October 22 Is it going to be a great fight and we will see who is the champion Big respect for you and your team 🙏🏾
@CharlesDoBronxs I just heard you said we are arrogant we know you’re a great champion and the great human being we know you’re very tough this is not personal October 22 Is it going to be a great fight and we will see who is the champion Big respect for you and your team 🙏🏾
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) August 5, 2022
Makhachev’s manager sent a reply to Oliveira on Twitter, addressing the slight and sending his respect back. There does seem to be mutual respect, but both men will be bringing their best come Oct. 22. The nature behind Oliveira’s title loss was due to a missed weight, not a loss, so both men are coming into this bout undefeated in their last ten. This bout is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated of the year. As the date grows closer, there may be more of these kinds of social media interactions to come.
