Islam Makhachev is going against Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49. The fight is scheduled at UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada. With a few days left for the event, many fight fans are questioning the significance of the fight with regards to the lightweight championship.
Makhachev was all set to get his title shot after he beat Beniel Dariush. But, unfortunately, Dariush broke his leg and Green has to step in. However, that has caused uncertainty over who will get the title shot after Oliveira vs Gaethje.
Makhachev believes he is the next contender because of his 9-fight win streak and many will agree to that. However, recently the fighter revealed what he thinks would happen if he faces Oliveira next.
Islam Makhachev comments on Charles Oliveira’s fighting style:
While attending a press conference prior to his fight this Saturday, Makhachev attended many questions from the media personnel. One of them questioned Islam about his opinion regarding how difficult it would be for Makhachev to face someone as good as Oliveira inside the ring with a title on the line. Answering to which the Dagestani replied:
“This gonna be a good fight because we almost have the same style. He has good grappling skill, he has good striking. It’s gonna be a good fight.”
Islam Makhachev certainly feels that his fight against Oliveira is quite interesting stylistically. Both of them are good grapplers. But, Isl believes he can out-wrestle the current champion inside the octagon.
“I don’t think it’s gonna be hard for me. I can take him down easily because I know he doesn’t have good wrestling skills but his grappling skills are at a high level. We will see who is better there.” Added Makhachev.
“The leach” comes from the mountains of Dagestan and like any good fighter from Dagestan, Islam is an elite wrestler. So, it isn’t wrong of him to trust himself for taking down the current champion. Moreover, with Khabib at the corner for Islam, he has the access to the best advice any fighter can ever get when it comes to wrestling.
But, 20 out of Oliveira’s 32 wins have come out of submission. So, will Islam be able to submit Oliveira? That’s the question only the future can answer.