Charles Oliveira has sent a powerful message to Islam Makhachev ahead of their lightweight title bout at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Speaking in his native tongue the Brazilian gave a fiery interview with MMA Hoje.
The Brazilian is on a remarkable run having racked up 11 straight wins. But he lost the lightweight title on a technicality after missing weight despite submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC 274.
The 32 year old is arguably the best lightweight ever to step foot inside the octagon. However, he feels disrespected by Makhachev and his team,
“I want to tell you, write this down. They’re being arrogant and that’s what will kill them. The arrogance from their manager, from former fighters,” he told MMA Hoje.
Resenha com o campeão tá no ar no YouTube, Spotify e principais plataformas de podcast. Todos os links na bio do @mmahoje ou procure por MMA Hoje na sua plataforma preferida. #ufc280 #charlesoliveira #oliveiravsmakhachev https://t.co/K64A9uMx3R pic.twitter.com/gzNbBNA8gg
— MMA HOJE (@mmahoje_) August 4, 2022
Local favourite
Oliveira acknowledges that his opponent will have the crowd at the Etihad Arena behind him. But the Brazilian says he is no stranger to adversity,
“If they think they’re going to come here thinking this is a joke I’m going to tell one thing. No one will ever hit me harder than life already hit me. I’m a guy that escaped a heart condition, rheumatism on my bones, even the doctor said I would never fight again, that I would not do anything related to sports and I became the UFC champion. I’m coming to your house my friend to fight you, to make history and keep my legacy going as the UFC lightweight champion.”
His opponent has won ten fights in a row. Meanwhile Oliveira is on an 11 bout winning streak that has seen him capture and defend the UFC lightweight title.
OLIVEIRA SUBMITS GAETHJE IN THE FIRST ROUND 😨 #UFC274 pic.twitter.com/2biMysZ8in
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 8, 2022
Dodgy scales
There was a lot of controversy over the decision to strip him of the title. Oliveira seems to have been the victim of a set of unreliable scales but he still got the job done in emphatic style at UFC 274, submitting Gaethje in the opening round.
Despite his success the bookmakers have Oliveira as the underdog so he is entitled to feel overlooked. But it is the comments from Makhachev that have really upset the Brazilian,
“Listen to what I’m saying, your arrogance is what’s going to kill you it’s going to sink all of you. You’re talking a lot of sh*t, criticizing and talking a lot of things and I’m just here watching and respecting like I’ve always respected all of you. But you better pay attention. Everything you’re saying is out in the media and coming my way. So don’t cry about it later,” he warned.
UFC 280 looks set to be one of the biggest pay per view cards of the year. The main event in Abu Dhabi looks set to be a real grudge match and these two men will be settling their differences in the Middle East on October 20th.
