Paddy Pimblett Believes Charles Oliveira Will Be ‘Too Much’ For Islam Makhachev

Paddy Pimblett says that Charles Oliveira has "too many tools" for Islam Makhachev to deal with at UFC 280.

Charles Oliveira
Courtesy of UFC Twitter

Paddy Pimblett believes Charles Oliveira will finish Islam Makhachev when the two lightweights meet at UFC 280 in October. 

Pimblett is fresh off his third-straight win inside the Octagon at UFC London on June 23rd. The Liverpudlian served up another spectacular performance, submitting Jordan Leavitt in the second round via rear-naked choke. It was his third finish in as many fights.

In true Paddy Pimblett fashion, the scouser has been busy living his best life, ballooning up to “around 200” pounds according to his comments at Saturday’s UFC San Diego card. However, ‘The Baddy’ wasn’t in town to talk about his weight. While speaking to the media, Pimblett gave his thoughts on the upcoming lightweight world title bout between former champion Charles Oliveira and No. 4 ranked contender Islam Makhachev.

“It’s gonna be a big fight, but I think Charles is gonna have too much for him. I think Charles will finish him, in like 3, something like that. He’s (been) through a much higher caliber of opponents, (competed against a) lot more dangerous fighters, and he’s come through the other side. And I just think he’s got too many tools in his arsenal for Islam to deal with.”

Charles Oliveira captured the UFC lightweight title at UFC 262, defeating ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler. Former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov vacated the title following his successful defense against Justin Gaethje in October 2020. ‘Do Bronx’ scored a successful title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269.

In May, Charles Oliveira stepped on the scale ahead of his scheduled title defense against Gaethje. The champion weighed in at 156 pounds, one pound over the lightweight limit for title fights. As a result, Oliveira was stripped of his title and will have to earn it back when he meets Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 on October 22nd.

Islam Makhachev Says Charles Oliveira is Scared to Fight Him

Islam Makhachev has been lobbying for a world title opportunity for what feels like years. Now he has the chance to capture UFC gold against dangerous grappler Charles Oliveira this fall. 

Speaking on the DC & RC podcast, Makhachev discussed Oliveira’s previous call-outs of fighters such as Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. The Dagestani suggests those call-outs were a ploy to avoid their inevitable showdown.

“Charles is very good, he has a good win streak, he beat a lot of tough opponents, but for me, it’s embarrassing when the UFC lightweight champion asks for someone like Nate Diaz or Conor McGregor, who [last] won like five years ago,” Makhachev said. “Nobody remembers when these guys win some fights.

“He tried to call [for] Diaz, McGregor, but he forgets my name. And when they ask about me, he says he needs money or something like this. But when he fights with Dustin [Poirier] or Justin Gaethje, he doesn’t think about money. Now when he says he has to fight Islam, he tries to say, ‘I want to fight in Brazil, I want to fight in the end of this year, or I need some money.’”

When asked if he thinks Charles Oliveira is scared to face him inside the Octagon, Makhachev answered in the affirmative.

“Of course. He said Islam has to fight one more time or something like this. But UFC told him, ‘Hey if you do not take this fight, we’re going to give the chance to Michael Chandler.’ That’s why he took this fight.”

Published on August 15, 2022 at 12:24 pm
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