Islam Makhachev wants Charles Oliveira title clash in Abu Dhabi, predicts submission win

Islam Makhachev has reiterated his desire to take on Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in Abu Dhabi in October, even declaring he will finish the former champion at his own game.

Oliveira, who secured the vacant crown last year, was stripped of the belt before his slated defence against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 earlier this month, when he missed championship weight by half a pound. The Brazilian went on to submit the former interim champion in the first round to extend his win streak to 11.

Makhachev, meanwhile, has won his past 10 in the UFC, and is expected to compete at UFC 281 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 22. A potential opponent is still unconfirmed, with UFC president Dana White saying recently he wants to rebook Makhachev against Beneil Dariush – that fight fell through in February following an injury to the latter - but also that Oliveira-Makhachev appealed.

In an interview with ESPN published on Monday, Makhachev said: “The UFC said we have to find some contender, but this is not a contender match.

"We don’t have a champion. Charles is a contender, too. I hope I deserve it because I have a 10-fight win streak, and I’m ready. This is my primetime now.”

Makhachev, who has a solitary defeat from 23 pro MMA bouts, has for some time said he wants to fight in the UAE capital. The Dagestan native, a regular visitor to the UAE and hugely popular throughout the region, has fought in Abu Dhabi twice previously, sealing victory against Davi Ramos by unanimous decision at UFC 242 in September 2019 before defeating Dan Hooker by first-round submission at UFC 267 last October.

Congrats Charles and see you in AbuDhabi for vacant