Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to see Islam Makachev fight Charles Oliveira next

Islam Makhachev should fight Charles Oliveira next.

That is the view of the UFC‘s former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Oliveira (32-8, 1 NC) successfully defended his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 269 last December – with Justin Gaethje the No.1 contender at 155 pounds.

Makhachev (22-1) meanwhile registered an easy first-round TKO victory over short-notice replacement Bobby Green in Las Vegas on Saturday.

And Nurmagomedov, 33, has revealed Makhachev will face the winner of Oliveira’s clash with Gaethje later this year, after receiving assurances from UFC president Dana White.

He told ESPN: “A couple of days ago when we met with Dana we were talking about hey what’s next.

“He was like, he has to fight Bobby Green first. I’m like, ‘Dana, they’re not the same level’. Of course we don’t underestimate him but if Islam catches him he’s finished you know.

“He said I’m really focused on Islam fighting versus the winner of Charles versus Justin Gaethje later this year.

“Dana says they are going to make very big show in Abu Dhabi end of this year, and I think this place is where Islam is going to compete and fight for the title.

“If I say I think Justin Gaethje is going to win, maybe people are going to think because I fight with him, that’s why I want him to win – something like this.

“For UFC, it’s going to be better if Charles Oliveira wins – 11-win streak vs. 10-win streak. Two new blood for lightweight division.

“I really want Charles and Islam fight, but I’m not going to be surprised because Justin Gaethje have so much experience and big heart. If you want to beat him, you have to finish him. If not going to be finish, I think Justin Gaethje going to win this fight if