The pre-fight press conference at UFC 302 saw an entertaining banter between all the competitors. As expected, the back-and-forth between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa caught the attention of fight fans. Many observed and were impressed by the Brazilian Costa’s developed English-speaking skills. It also included the main event superstar, Islam Makhachev, who couldn’t help but make a sneaky remark.
Islam Makhachev has built a reputation as one of the UFC’s most unintentionally humorous fighters. During the verbal war between Strickland and Costa, Makhachev jokingly commented that he was pleased to see a Brazilian who tried to speak English. Every MMA fan knows that Brazilian fighters rarely speak other languages other than their mother tongue. As such, Makhachev pointed out the tidbit with praise.
Finally, Brazilian fighter trying to speak English, it’s respect man.
Islam Makhachev via UFC 302 pre-fight press conference
It was indeed a good observation from the champion, as Paulo Costa‘s English has gotten better over time. This has helped the fighter with his fan interactions and overall popularity. With better English, Costa could show his true self and become the meme lord of the UFC.
Other top Brazilian fighters, however, such as Alex Pereira and Charles Oliveira, do not speak English well. Both fighters need interpreters to deliver their messages. In the past, Oliveira’s translator also received a lot of attention for showing great passion while translating the fighter’s emotions. However, Islam Makhachev is not a fan of this.
Islam Makhachev blasts Charles Oliveira for not speaking English in the UFC
Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira fought each other at UFC 280, where the Dagestani won his lightweight title. Ahead of the fight, there were some problems with the negotiations from Oliveira’s side. While addressing it, Makhachev mocked ‘Do Bronx’ for his inability to speak English.
Islam Makhachev questions Charles Oliveira’s inability to speak English ( via X/Instagram)
According to Islam Makhachev, most fighters should study English to get money. Makhachev remarked that Oliveira should try harder to learn English.
Nobody understands this guy, he doesn’t speak English. English is important if you wanna make money, you have to speak some language everybody understands. Nobody understands what he’s saying.
Islam Makhachev via ESPN MMA YouTube
While non-English fighters don’t need to learn the language, it is clear that it benefits their careers. Recently, several more Brazilians, notably Renato Moicano and Alexandre Pantoja, have begun to improve their English.
In the case of Moicano, the lightweight has revealed that he learned English by playing Call of Duty. It appears that most fighters have now recognized the relevance of being able to speak English and interact with fight fans. In the long haul, it may result in monetary benefits.
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