MMA fighter Charles Oliveira in a conversation with , he called himself the best lightweight fighter at the moment, despite losing to Islam Makhacheva at UFC 280.
Brazilian lightweight Oliveira will face Makhachev in a rematch at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi on October 21. The fighters will challenge for the lightweight championship belt after the Russian became champion in a fight with Oliveira on October 22 last year. Makhachev won by submission in the second round.
– Who do you currently consider to be the best fighter in the world in the 155-pound category?
— I think every athlete has their own best time. Once upon a time for Khabib, there was a time for BJ Penn. I respect these fighters and I believe they made history. But I think now is my time. I’m sure I’m the best fighter around, I’ve fought with the best and I’ve defeated them. I’m sure I’m the best fighter now.
— On June 10, you beat Beneil Dariush. Do you think Islam Makhachev watched this fight live?
“I’m 100% sure he watched it.”
— Which victory seems most significant to you: yours over Dariush? Or Islam Makhachev versus Alex Volkanovski?
— Each battle has its own story. Hard to say. The fight between Makhachev and Volkanovski showed which of them improved their footwork, showed that they could fight for five rounds. On the other hand, my fight against Dariush was a knockout in a fight against an opponent who has won a large number of fights.
— In the second round of your last fight, Islam Makhachev threw the same combination 7 or 8 times: a straight left and a right side. Did you notice this moment?
– Yes, of course, I paid attention to it. But he hits this combination often. He always does that.
– At what point in the last episode did you make the biggest mistake by allowing the choke to be closed?
— It’s difficult to say, it’s MMA, anything can happen. They can kick you, throw you, choke you. The main thing is not to make any more mistakes,” Oliveira told .
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Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
