The combat sports world eagerly awaits Islam Makhachev‘s upcoming title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. During media day, the lightweight king recently showed respect for his former foe, Charles Oliveira. Makhachev also talked about the rumored super fight between Oliveira and Colby Covington.
In a surprising gesture, Islam Makhachev extended an open invitation for Oliveira to join his team in Dagestan. He suggested this would sharpen Oliveira’s grappling tools against Covington’s smothering style. Moreover, the lightweight champ also predicted how the bout would play out.
Charles is a good guy. If I can help him, he can join us in our camp in Dagestan. He has very good striking, so we can help him with wrestling… I think Charles can finish him. He, every second, this guy looking for a finish.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 302 media day
The reigning champ’s prediction of Charles Oliveira emerging victorious over Covington adds an intriguing layer to the hypothetical matchup. On its face, Makhachev’s endorsement of Oliveira seems like high praise from one of MMA’s most dominant forces. The Dagestani has steamrolled the lightweight elite with his well-rounded skill set.
Islam Makhachev invites Charles Oliveira to train with him in Dagestan to sharpen his wrestling 🤝 #UFC302
Makhachev believes Oliveira would finish Colby Covington if they fought. pic.twitter.com/GvH1FzsFJ8
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) May 29, 2024
Makhachev defeated Oliveira in October of 2022, with the coveted lightweight title on the line. They were slated to fight again a year later. However, the fight was canceled due to an injury sustained by Oliveira. The prospect of fighting Colby Covington has come up recently after the Brazilian lost a #1 contender fight against Arman Tsarukyan. Now it’s up to the UFC matchmakers to make that fight.
Islam Makhachev is open to fighting Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor may no longer be the fearsome force he once was. However, his name still carries immense drawing power in the UFC. Current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev seemed to recognize this and remains open to facing the infamous Irishman. This is not for the competition but for the hefty paycheck that would come with it.
Islam Makhachev open to fight Conor McGregor (via MMA Fighting)Makhachev was recently interviewed by ESPN MMA‘s Brett Okamoto. He gave his assessment of McGregor’s skills. The Dagestani fighter declared bluntly that he believed McGregor was an inferior fighter. However, the lightweight king followed that by saying he would fight him for the money it would bring.
It’s good memories, you know, makes me like excited. Beat Conor, beat his whole team again. It’s going to be fine you know, fun time. We’re in a different level right now. Beat him, make good money and that is it. But I don’t (think) he is my level fighter.
Islam Makhachev via ESPN MMA
The prospect of McGregor going against his arch-nemesis’s student would potentially break records. Of course, the chances of McGregor even calling for a Makhachev fight seem fairly slim. The trash-talking star is set to return against Michael Chandler at welterweight. McGregor might say yes to a bout at 155 pounds if a title opportunity presents itself. As such, there is a slim chance of the bout happening.
