Islam Makhachev shares his prediction for Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje
Top-ranked lightweight contender Islam Makhachev shared his prediction for Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje for the UFC lightweight title.
Makhachev is 11-1 overall in the UFC and he is currently riding a 10-fight win streak. After smashing Bobby Green in the first round at UFC Vegas 49, Makhachev is likely no more than one win away from fighting for the UFC lightweight title, which Oliveira currently owns. The UFC’s plan is to have Oliveira fight No. 1 contender Gaethje at UFC 274 in May, and then after that, it’s unknown what the promotion will do. UFC president Dana White has suggested superstar Conor McGregor may get the next title shot, with Makhachev facing off against Beneil Dariush later this year when he is healthy enough to fight again. But as far as Makhachev goes, he is operating under the assumption he’s next in line for the belt.
Speaking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Makhachev shared his prediction for Oliveira vs. Gaethje.
“I think Oliviera. Because I saw his last fight against Dustin Poirier, he improved his wrestling. Now he can take down his opponent and finish him there. Gaethje has always had problems on the ground, that’s why I think he’s gonna finish there. It’s going to be a very good fight, but I think if they stay two rounds, after the second round, he’s going to finish him,” Makhachev said.
Should Oliveira defeat Gaethje, Makhachev could be next, and he thinks it’s a good matchup for him.
“He has good striking now. He’s improved his Muay Thai, but on the ground, in the wrestling, he’s not on my level. Because I compete with many, many guys in the gym, grappling guys, wrestling guys. I’ve seen his fight, many fights, his grappling is not dangerous for me,” Makhachev said.
Do you agree with the prediction that Islam Makhachev shared for the upcoming UFC lightweight title bout between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje?
