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The former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, at one point, seemed to be the most consistent champion in the history of the lightweight division until Islam Makhachev showed up. Makhachev made a big jump from fighting unranked opponents to getting a title shot.
His attempt was successful, and he snatched everything away from Oliveira by securing a 2nd round submission victory.Oliveira was supposed to fight Makhachev for the rematch in October; however, because of a deep eye cut, Oliveira was forced to pull out of the match.
The next lightweight title fight will take place in 2024. Makhachev is more interested in fighting a new opponent, but Charles Oliveira is most likely be next. Dustin Poirier believes Oliveira has what it takes to beat Makachev by stepping in with a strong mindset.
Dustin Poirier on Charles Oliveira
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Dustin Poirier shared his thoughts on Charles Oliveira’s chances of beating Islam Makhachev in the rematch. “If Oliveira’s mindset is in, if he’s the same guy who fought me, who fought (Michael) Chandler, I think he can win that fight,” Poirier said, as quoted by mmajunkie.usatoday.com.
“I don’t think he wanted to fight in that title fight. He looked like he didn’t want to be there. He quit on himself, it looked like. That’s my opinion. But I know personally he has the skills to beat the best guys in the world, and he has done that time and time again.
If he goes in there with his mindset locked in, ready to go, I think he can beat him. He’s been competing for a long time. He’s the champ. He’s defending his belt. He’s only going to continue to get better, He’s surrounded by great guys, a great camp, great team, and he’s going to continue to get better.
Everybody’s getting so good at everything. Looking at somebody as a one-dimensional fighter – those days are kind of gone”.