Islam Makhachev calls for Charles Oliveira, wants to submit him in 'his area'

UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev wants to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant title in October, and believes he will beat the Brazilian at his own game of submission grappling.

Makhachev (22-1) is expected to fight on Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi, where he is very popular with the region's Muslim population. The question of who he will fight is a big one in determining the UFC's schedule in the second half of 2022. UFC president Dana White has stated he wants Makhachev to fight Beneil Dariush, but Makhachev is also an obvious candidate to face Oliveira (33-8).

«We don't have a champion,» Makhachev told ESPN. «Charles is a contender. That's why it's going to be for the title. I deserve it. I have a 10-fight win streak.»

Oliveira, of Brazil, is widely viewed as the defending champion — even though, officially, he is not. The 32-year-old missed weight by one half-pound ahead of a scheduled defense against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 on May 7 in Phoenix. Oliveira went on to submit Gaethje in the first round of the fight, but was still stripped of the belt for missing weight. He is expected to still be one-half of the vacant title fight.

Makhachev, of Dagestan, was originally scheduled to face Dariush in February, but Dariush was forced out of the fight with an ankle injury. White has said the UFC will rebook that matchup, however he did admit a fight between Oliveira and Makhachev is a very intriguing option. He also revealed UFC commentator Joe Rogan personally asked him to make that fight next.

"[Oliveira] said I don't deserve this, but he's asking about Nate Diaz and Conor [McGregor]," Makhachev said. «I think Charles is a No. 1 contender now. We don't have a champion because he don't make weight. He is not a professional.»

Makhach