Not Even Khabib’s Record Can Stop Charles Oliveira From Clinching LW GOAT Status Against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294, Claims Ex-Champ

Michael Bisping is a veteran and a veteran who knows what he’s saying. Bisping has a dedicated channel to analyze up-and-coming fights on the fly as soon as things are announced. And everyone knows that Dana White just recently announced a series of exciting fights for the year’s last two pay-per-views. One of them will see Islam Makhachev go up against Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title.

For Bisping, Charles Oliveira is the “most exciting fighter in the UFC.” But to what end can he be compared and with whom? There is a lot of hype around him going up for a rematch against the Dagestani. However, is this as big of a deal as everyone’s making it? Bisping happens to think so. After all, who doesn’t love a great comeback story?

Is Charles Oliveira one of the greatest lightweights in UFC?

Charles Oliveira has undoubtedly carved his name into the UFC lightweight history books. His most recent fight was against Beneil Dariush. He managed to finish Dariush with a barrage of punches after catching him with a brutal kick to the head in the very first round. Oliveira keeps the audience on their toes and it’s what makes him so exciting. Bisping noted how his winning this match could mean big things.

“If he beats Islam here, you’re not gonna like this, he’s back in the conversation for one of the greatest lightweights of all time,” said Bisping, “I said that last time. I said if Charles beats Islam he will be the best UFC lightweight fighter that we’ve ever had.

He continued, Of course, that title goes to Khabib Nurmagomedov who retired at 29-0 and his run was legendary, right? I don’t even know if he ever lost a round, okay? So that might have been a crazy comment.”

Of course, after Oliveira made his shift to the lightweight division from featherweight, he’s seen insurmountable success as compared to before. But does that put him on the same pedestal as ‘The Eagle‘? Fans would probably disagree but Bisping makes a fair point.

Makhachev and Nurmagomedov are teammates and friends. The similarities in their fighting styles always reflected in the cage. Since the former champ has now retired, would it be fair to call Oliveira the best if he defeats Makhachev, Nurmagomedov’s own prodigy?

The rematch between the two has Bisping hyped

The first time Oliveira clashed against Islam Makhachev, he lost convincingly. He would then go on to destroy Dariush and is now back for the title. A quick run around just to get his hands on the belt again is not much of an understatement. Bisping considered ‘Do Bronx’ to be the greatest if he defeated Makhachev the first time. Of course, that did not happen.

“…I stood by it at the time and if he’d have beaten Islam right, who’s kind of like Khabib 2.0, then there would have been a little bit of substance to that, but he didn’t.”

Also Read: “All of a Sudden He’s the Fucking Man”- Ahead of His Fight Against Islam Makhachev, Joe Rogan Praises Charles Oliveira’s Monumental Rise in the UFC

Perhaps, Oliveira’s loss was a bit underwhelming for the former champion. However, this time around, he has an opportunity to proudly proclaim what he’s been saying this whole time. If Oliveira actually clinches the win, he could be considered one of the best if not the best.

The fight goes down at UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi. Khabib Nurmagomedov won’t be by Makhachev’s side this time, so will he lose? Only time will tell.

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