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via Getty

via Getty

Charles Oliveira became the new UFC lightweight champion after defeating Michael Chandler at the UFC 262 main event. Since ‘Do Bronx’ became the champion, people from all over the world have been congratulating the fighter. However, there are still some people who believe that Nurmagomedov is the rightful champion, as he was never defeated.

During a recent conversation with MMA Fighting, they asked Oliveira about the same. Oliveira talked about Nurmagomedov’s legacy and how he respects everything ‘The Eagle’ has achieved in the UFC. He talked about how many people wanted him to disrespect Nurmagomedov but he has nothing but respect for the former champion.

Many people told me to wear a shirt taking shots at [Nurmagomedov] or say something about him in the end. Khabib is a great champion, 29-0, and deserves all the respect in the world. He came in and was always dominant with his style.”

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Nurmagomedov left the UFC after his father passed away, and that is something that Oliveira respects greatly. ‘Do Bronx’ said, “He retired because his father passed away, and he deserves more respect because of that. He swore over his father’s grave he wouldn’t fight again and if it has to be up to me to say something for him to come back, he’ll stay retired.”

Charles Oliveira says a new legacy has begun in the UFC lightweight division

While Oliveira showed nothing but respect for all of Nurmagomedov’s achievements, the fighter believes it is his time now. ‘The Eagle’ fought and defeated almost everyone in the UFC lightweight division, but Oliveira was not one of them. The UFC lightweight champion was quick to point this out and talked about his new legacy.

“Everybody would love to see this fight, of course. I would also love to see this fight, but I don’t see myself under his shadow. He said he’s beaten everybody in the division but he never fought me, so he can’t say he’s beaten everybody. But he’s beaten everyone he fought.”

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“He deserves all the respect in the world. [But] the new lightweight champion is Charles Oliveira, someone who comes in to finish people. A new legacy has begun in the lightweight division. What Khabib has done until now was 100 percent wonderful, a respectful man, but a new era has begun. A new legacy. Charles Oliveira.”

Nurmagomedov achieved many great things during his UFC career and will possibly go down as the greatest UFC fighter of all time. However, he is now retired and there is a new UFC lightweight champion. Therefore, as Charles Oliveira said, what Nurmagomedov has done is wonderful, but it is time for a new legacy now.