After losing his lightweight title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 last October, Charles Oliveira bounced back in style with his recent, quick victory. The former champion displayed his impeccable fighting prowess as he swiftly regained his footing in the octagon. Just last Saturday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada, Oliveira showcased his prowess by finishing longtime lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush in the first frame of the UFC 289 pay-per-view co-main event.

With this impressive victory, the Brazilian solidified his status as the best of the rest of the middleweight division. As the anticipation for Oliveira’s next move grows, the prospect of him securing another title shot looms large. Recalling their previous encounter, the 33-year-old middleweight reflected on Makhachev having the edge in their initial fight.

However, with talks of a rematch swirling, UFC commentator Laura Sanko has weighed in, emphasizing how the formidable Brazilian now has a wealth of material to study the reigning UFC middleweight kingpin when they run it back.

Charles Oliveira can study Islam Makhachev well now

As the analysts gathered to discuss the thrilling UFC 289 event, Laura Sanko made her voice heard, staunchly defending Charles Oliveira from the backlash he had been receiving for his loss against Islam Makhachev.

With conviction, she stated, “Yes, he lost via submission. And I think that’s what everybody wants to point to because it’s like, ‘Oh, he got beat at his own game.’ Everyone forgets that he got cracked on the feet, right before he got submitted. And he even said, ‘Listen, I underestimated Islam’s striking.'”

The 40-year-old analyst then delved into the strategic implications, highlighting the significance of watching Makhachev’s victory over the UFC featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284.

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She remarked, “After watching Islam’s fight with Volkanovski, no one will do that again. Certainly not Charles. There is so much more tape to study on the way that Islam sets up his strikes, the way he sets up his takedowns. That one fight alone is a excellent tape study… You know that he[Charles Oliveira] won’t underestimate his striking this time. And I just got to believe that if he doesn’t do that, we’re gonna see a much more competitive fight.”

Both Oliveira and Makhachev have engaged in a war of words following the Brazilian’s recent victory, fueling the flames of a much-anticipated rematch. Now, it seems essential for these two formidable fighters to settle their score once and for all.

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