Islam Makhachev calls for UFC lightweight title bout with Charles Oliveira in Abu Dhabi

Islam Makhachev has called for a lightweight title bout with Charles Oliveira in Abu Dhabi later this year after the Brazilian defeated Justin Gaethje in spectacular fashion at UFC 274 early on Sunday.

Oliveira, who was stripped of the belt having missed weight on Friday, rebounded with a scintillating win in the headline event at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, triumphing by first-round submission. The victory, coming after both fighters had been knocked down during a frantic opening three minutes, extended Oliveira’s win streak to 11.

Having missed the 155lb weight limit by half a pound, Oliveira had to vacate the title, although the UFC said he would be immediately installed as the No 1-ranked contender should he deliver a victory on Sunday.

Following Oliveira’s win, No 3-ranked challenger Makhachev made his feelings clear on what he wanted to happen next, tweeting: “Congrats Charles and see you in Abu Dhabi for the vacant [title].”

The world’s lead mixed martial arts promotion is booked to return to the capital on October 22 with UFC 281 at Etihad Arena. The card had yet to be confirmed.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, the former lightweight champion who retired undefeated and now coaches Makhachev, also called for his long-time teammate to take on Oliveira.

Having already tweeted in his native Russian, Nurmagomedov then posted in English directly to UFC president Dana White, saying: “You have no other choice but make Oliveira vs Islam fight in Abu Dhabi 22 October. Perfect date, perfect location. Perfect opponents with perfect winning streaks 10 vs 11.”

At the post-event press conference, UFC president Dana White was asked if he still wanted to make the cancelled bout between Makhachev and Beneil Dariush next. That