Worried Khabib’s Concerns on Charles Oliveira Revealed by Islam Makhachev – “This Guy Is Gonna Be Different”

Everybody loves Charles Oliveira! The former lightweight champ is a highly skilled fighter who exhibits a friendly and endearing nature. Naturally, the fans love him. However, he is still #1 ranked in the lightweight division and without the division title, thanks to the current champ, Islam Makhachev. Makhachev has cemented his place atop the lightweight division in the promotion by securing a win over the Brazilian.

Oliveira and Makhachev fought back in 2022. Oliveira put up a great fight but Makhachev displayed a well-rounded skillset to overcome the Brazilian. In the end, the Dagestani fighter won the fight. One year later, the Brazilian MMA fighter has another chance to make it right. A rematch against the Dagestani champion is scheduled for UFC 294, which will be held on 21 October, in Abu Dhabi. Makhachev seems pretty confident but according to sources, his mentor and former undefeated lightweight champ, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has expressed his worry about the fight being different this time.

Khabib Nurmagomedov worried that Charles Oliveira rematch could prove harder for Islam Makhachev

Khabib Nurmagomedov was a one-of-a-kind fighter who never lost a fight in his professional career or in the UFC. He remained a champion till the day he retired. His protege, Islam Makhachev, is nearly as good as him and is the current lightweight champion in the UFC. However, he does have one loss in MMA, and Adriano Martins handed that to him. To add to that, Makhachev’s fight against UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski emerged as a close contest, where Makhachev looked like he could have lost.

Naturally, Nurmagomedov has expressed concern that a polished and well-equipped fighter like Charles Oliveira could prove difficult to finish in a rematch. He assumes that Oliveira will be better prepared to fight Makhachev. Nurmagomedov claimed that the Brazilian might just get the better of him this time – if Makhachev doesn’t train properly.

In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Islam Makhachev spoke about how Khabib Nurmagomedov always keeps him on his toes when it comes to being better prepared than all of his opponents. The interviewer notified the Dagestani of the fact that Nurmagomedov had expressed his concerns saying that a rematch against Charles Oliveira could prove to be more difficult than the last time.

“He always say this! Hey, Your next fight is gonna be more hard, because he think I’m – I’m gonna estimate him. You know, he think I’m not training hard for, but… he always told me, hey! This guy is gonna be different. This guy more strong, more… but… I training always same you know?“, replied Islam Makhachev, before the interviewer could even finish.

ALSO READ – “We Never Did This” – Coach Khabib’s Insanely “Hard” Techniques Brought to Light in Islam Makhachev’s Disclosure

Nevertheless, the concern that ‘The Eagle’ has about Makhachev fighting a smarter and tougher Oliveira, for the second time, is actually a valid concern. The former lightweight champion has taken the necessary precautions to ensure such a scenario doesn’t happen.

Khabib Nurmagomedov returns to Makhachev’s corner – Scared of a loss?

Khabib Nurmagomedov had earlier announced that had retired from MMA altogether in 2023. He had said that he wanted to spend some quality time with his family and wanted to step away from the world of MMA. However, the latest news suggests that ‘The Eagle’ has touched base once again and has returned to Makhachev’s corner.

According to Khabib Nurmagomedov, beating Charles Oliveira this time will be tougher for Islam Makhachev. He explained that this time the Brazilian has nothing to lose and enters the octagon with no pressure.

Now that Nurmagomedov has returned to Makhachev’s training camp, fans could see ‘The Eagle’ in Abu Dhabi, cornering Islam Makhachev, just like his father Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov cornered him during his active years in the UFC.

What do you make of Islam Mkhachev explaining Khabib’s perspective of the fight? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch This Story – Joe Rogan Puts Confidence in Leon Edwards Against Colby Covington