‘I’m lit’ – Charles Oliveira promises ‘greatest knockout ever’ against Islam Makhachev at UFC 280

Charles Oliveira is confident after the final showdowns against Islam Makhachev that he will get a first-round knockout victory in the main event of UFC 280.

The stage is set for two of the best lightweights in the world right now to get their hands on the vacant title. Charles Oliveira is fired up ahead of his fight and showed incredible intensity heading into UFC 280. After watching Islam Makhachev one last time before heading to the octagon, ‘Do Bronx’ sees him knock Makhachev out in the first round.

After the intense look at the ceremonial weigh-ins, Oliveira speaks to BT Sport about the emotions heading into this fight. “He knows exactly what’s going to happen. He is surfing on a wave that is not his own. says “Do the Bronx”. The Brazilian is also confident that the fight won’t go past the first round.

“I think they’re just talking a lot of crap,” the Sao Paulo-born athlete said. “And whenever we close that gate and we’re inside the octagon we get to see the real champion.

This Saturday, the LW division will once again have a champion 👑

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— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2022

“Biggest knockout [you’ve] ever seen. I’m going to knock him out in the first round. said Oliveira in his official and final prediction for the lightweight title fight. Makhachev also comes to finish the fight before the final bell. That only means fireworks in the octagon. Oliveira also mentioned that he is “enlightened” and will emerge victorious after the fight.

“It’s not even like it crosses my mind [that Makhachev’s team talk trash]. They’re putting the wrong guy on the pedestal. The champion has a name and it’s Charles Oliveira. I’m the best in this division and I’m a problem for this division.”

Understandably, Makhachev feels he’s one bout from solving that problem. The Dagestani, beaten once in 23 pro MMA outings, believes he will take Oliveira down before finishing the submission specialist on the ground.

Oliveira, though, countered: “I’m ready. Anyone needs to believe and want, but that’s for them. If we go down to the ground, he’s facing the biggest finisher in the history of the UFC.

“But if you want to stand up, we’re going to stand up. I’m here to make history again. I’m here to shock the world.”

Brimming with confidence, Oliveira expects to defeat Makhachev in the capital and then face Alexander Volkanovski in either Brazil or Australia early next year. In fact, he says he’s open to fighting the featherweight champion in both; Brazil for the lightweight belt; Volkanovski’s native Australia for the 145lb title.

To add an extra layer of intrigue, Volkanovski is in Abu Dhabi this week to serve as backup in case either Oliveira or Makhachev miss weight.

Makhachev, a former world Sambo champion, hopes that doesn’t happen. He wants Oliveira.

“Right now he’s the champion, right now he’s the best lightweight,” he said. “But I don’t think he’s best. I know this is my moment and I believe right now I’m the best lightweight in the world.

“He’s a champion. But he has to show all fighters a good example. He has to be professional. I hope he’s going to make weight this time.”

Makhachev, 31, reckons it’s his time to shine.

“Honestly, I’m so excited, because all my life I’m waiting for that moment and now I’m very close. And I’m ready. My goal is finish him on the ground because I have to show all people my grappling level.

Islam Makhachev submits Dan Hooker in their lightweight bout at UFC 267 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on October 30, 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

“This is a MMA fight. We’re going to begin with the stand-up and I’m going to check his skills there. I just have to do what I’m good at: close the distance, hold them, take him down.

“If I let [Oliveira] work he’s going to do many stuff.”

Of the brewing rivalry between opposing sides, Makhachev said: “My team don’t have pressure. I don’t have pressure. His team have some pressure.

“Because he has a big team, I have a big team, and already we beat two guys from his team: Islam Mamedov [defeated Jorge Patino in 2015], and Tagir Ulanbekov [beat Allan Nascimento last year in Abu Dhabi].

“Saturday night it’s going to be 3-0.”