Taking a Look Ahead: UFC 280 Oliveira vs Makhachev

At UFC London there was a press conference that included Charles Oliveira, Sean O'Malley and Belal Muhammad, in anticipation of their upcoming fights in Abu Dhabi at UFC 280. When Charles was introduced, he was referred to as the 'former lightweight champion' even though Dana previously referred to him as 'champ' as did Bisping at the press conference. With that said, Charles currently doesn't have the belt and the lightweight title is currently vacant following his missing championship weight at UFC 274. Oliveira is set to take on the number four contender, Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship at UFC 280.

If Charles is anything, he is confident prior to his upcoming matchup with Makhachev for the belt. All of the questions surrounding Oliveira's toughness, have clearly been resolved as he is currently on the longest win streak of the division, and most recently is coming off wins against Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, some of the most dangerous strikers and overall opponents in the division.

"The word of god is the word of the people, so why don't we ask them?" Charles said at UFC London, and this was greeted with a massive applaud from the audience. Charles Oliveira is the lightweight champion in his mind, and this seems to be the case for most everyone else, but this will be challenged, and the belt will officially be given out on October 22 in Abu Dhabi, and we can not wait. Charles however is, or definitely seems to be more confident than he has ever been and has a 'champ' mentality, and approach heading into this fight, even though it will not be for a title defence.

Islam looks to get his hand raised in Abu Dhabi and claim the vacant title spot at 155. the number 4 ranked contender has proven a lot in his UFC career, and is currently on the a double digit win streak, the only other to be on this sort of run in the division is his upcoming opponent, Oliveira. Islam is coming into this fight on a roll, but some argue the quality of his opponents. Islam is fortunate to have Khabib in his corner and also to have former Champ Champ, Daniel Cormier as a former training and sparring partner. On Cormier's podcast DC and RC with Ryan Clark, Islam completely dismisses any noise related to this and in fact believes the same about Oliveira opponents. “Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaetjhe they never grappling they just striking, this is why its easy fight for him, but he know Islam Makhachev, very hard fight for him.” and he continues to say that all the fighters he beats are good at striking and that he will have no problem taking him down. This is true, Oliveira recent opponents are great strikers, but this is not to say that they weren't threats on the ground as well. Recent opponents for Charles like Tony Ferguson, and even Michael Chandler are good on the floor and great wrestlers.

“Islam Makhachev is going to be new lightweight champion in Abu Dhabi.” - Makhachev on the DC and RC Pod

Islam, like Charles seems very confident in his abilities and truly believes that he will take him to the ground and be able to handle his business from there. Islam does not care about fighting for money, even this early on in his career he just wants to fight and beat any one thats put in front of him. With UFC 280 about a bit over 2 months away Islam seems to be as confident as ever.

With this stacked card in Abu Dhabi headlined by this 155 title fight, both Charles and Islam both believe that they are the best light weight fighters on the planet and that they will emerge as the new Undisputed Lightweight Champ. Even if Charles believes he is the champ, the belt will officially be crowned October 22.

By: Matteo Ametrano