MMA News Roundup: Islam Makhachev Disappointed at Derrick Lewis; Charles Oliveira Talks Rematch for 155 Lbs Strap; Conor McGregor Snubbed for Colby Covington

There have been some important developments in the world of MMA over the last 24 hours. But fans often miss out on the most significant events in our favorite sport due to the paucity of time. However, there is nothing to worry about as we bring to you yet another edition of the daily roundup. Catch the biggest headlines in just a few minutes of your time.

We will start with Islam Makhachev, who expressed his disappointment with Derrick Lewis for his performance against Jailton Almeida. Then we will shift our focus to Charles Oliveira, who opened up about the rematch for the lightweight title. Finally, we will sum up our daily news compilation AKA coach Javier Mendez snubbing Conor McGregor for Colby Covington as Makhachev’s future opponent.

Islam Makhachev tweeted about Derrick Lewis’s lack of wrestling skills

Derrick Lewis suffered his 12th MMA loss at UFC Sao Paulo. Brazilian Jailton Almeida dominated ‘The Black Beast’ in all five rounds with his grappling skills and even created a record of controlling the fight for 21 minutes and 10 seconds. As such, Islam Makhachev shared a tweet in response to Lewis’s lackluster performance in Sao Paulo.

Islam Makhachev stated that Derrick Lewis found himself in a troubling position against Jailton Almeida because he did not spend time to improve his grappling skills. That is why he got dominated in the fight. Makhachev said, “When you never training grappling.”

Read More: Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev: Will the Rematch Take Place in 2024? Ex-UFC Champ Reveals Possible Time and Date

He also referred to the time Lewis spent on the mat below his opponent. ‘The Black Beast’ was desperately trying to avoid getting into a submission position.

As such, Islam Makhachev stated that somebody should have given him a pillow to lie on the mat for the whole five rounds. It remains to be seen what lies ahead for the heavyweight veteran after his loss against Almeida.

Charles Oliveira opens up about lightweight title rematch

‘Do Bronx’ was in line to get his rematch against Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 294. However, he had to pull out due to an injury he suffered during training before that fight. Meanwhile, he recently opened up on his thoughts about the rematch and believes he might be able to compete in that fight by early 2024.

Charles Oliveira mentioned that he’s been listening to people talk about the fight taking place in January 2024. However, he claimed did not deny that his plan is to fight early next year for the title. “That’s the timeline. January maybe. But who knows?” Moreover, he claims that nothing will change in his approach to the fight against Islam Makhahchev next time. He is determined to go for the win. We will have to wait and see how that unfolds when they finally lock horns inside the Octagon.

Javier Mendez chooses Colby Covington over Conor McGregor

During a recent interview with ‘Red Corner MMA’, AKA coach Javier Mendez gave his take on Islam Makahchev fighting Conor McGregor. He mentioned that it would prove to be a great payday for the Dagestan native. However, Makhachev is looking to add to his MMA legacy and might make a move to the welterweight division and possibly fight the winner of the Colby Covington vs. Leon Edwards fight.

“It’s great if Islam wants it [McGregor fight]. If he doesn’t, then maybe going to the welterweight title is more appealing to him to create a legacy that he wants,” said Javier Mendez. UFC 296 will have Colby Covington fight Leon Edwards for the title and there is a chance that Makhachev will go for the winner. He has already received a callout from ‘Chaos’ and may not hesitate to fight him if the opportunity is provided to him by the UFC.

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how that fight pans out.

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