'People will understand soon' - Makhachev sure of his title prospects against Oliveira

Islam Makhachev isn’t concerned about comparisons or loaded down by legacy.

All that occupies his mind, weeks out from conceivably the greatest challenge of his professional career to date, is becoming UFC lightweight champion in Abu Dhabi.

“I’m really, really excited because my dream is so close, you know?” Makhachev tells The National from his current Dubai base. “That moment is so close. Very soon I’m going to be champion.”

The No 4-ranked challenger at lightweight, Makhachev headlines UFC 280 at Etihad Arena on October 22, when he takes on former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant belt.

Brazil's Oliveira resides as the division’s de facto champion. He is the most recent incumbent of the crown, and would still hold it had he not missed weight by half a pound in May, the day before his defence against Justin Gaethje.

While Makhachev rides an impressive 10-fight win streak, Oliveira's stunning triumph at UFC 274 extended his victory stretch to 11. Belt or not, he sits still at the head of the lightweight rankings, and No 3 in the UFC's men’s pound-for-pound standings.

The Brazilian, 33-8 in professional mixed martial arts, holds promotional records for most finishes (19) and submissions (16).

“Charles is very dangerous,” Makhachev says. “He always finishes his opponent, and he's dangerous in the striking and on the ground. But I believe in my skills. I’m ready for the fight standing up or on the ground - it doesn’t matter.”

Sitting in his hotel room in Dubai, between morning and night training sessions, Makhachev is characteristically composed. Confident, too.

“I don’t think this is the biggest test [of my career],” he says. “Maybe I beat some guy who has more skills. But, right now, he's the champion. And, right