Islam Makhachev

Charles Oliveira’s express victory over Justin Gaethje only further heightened questions and fan interest regarding Oliveira’s comparisons to Khabib. The Brazilian has scored 11 wins in a row and many regret that Khabib withdrew before clashing with Oliveira. The Do Bronx acts as a fighter who could be...

As much as we’d love to see him come back, Khabib Nurmagomedov is staying retired. “The Eagle” accomplished one of the rarest feats in any sport: going out on top. After a 29th consecutive victory over Justin Gaethje in Oct. 2020 (watch highlights), Nurmagomedov announced that it was the last time fans would see him competing inside the Octagon.

Khabib Nurmagomedov -- arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time -- tells TMZ Sports his friend and protégé, Islam Makhachev, could ultimately be a better fighter!. "Definitely, it's possible. You know, right now it's like this is a legacy fight for Islam. Why I really want him to fight vs. Charles Oliveira, because he had 11 win streak and UFC never make like this fight. 11 win streak vs. 10 win streak. It's supposed to be me versus Tony [Ferguson]. Ok, it never happened. Now we have Islam vs. Charles. Let these guys fight."

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes, when it’s all said and done, Islam Makhachev has the potential to surpass him as the lightweight division’s greatest of all time. Nurmagomedov was recently interviewed by TMZ Sports, and asked about his rising star pupil. “The Eagle” was asked if he thinks Makhachev has what it takes to surpass his own legacy in the lightweight division — arguably the greatest of all time.

There is a lot of talk about whether Charles Oliveira could beat Khabib Nurmagomedov. It is difficult to answer that now, given that they will certainly not be in the ring together, but most believe that the Brazilian would not have a chance against Khabib. One of those who believe...

Dustin Poirier is looking for a fight at UFC 277 on July 30 against “anybody that makes sense.” With the lightweight title picture still a bit foggy with Charles Oliveira being stripped of the championship and needing an opponent for the vacant title, should Islam Makhachev volunteer his services to face Poirier and further separate himself from the pack?

UFC lightweight Islam Makhachev wants to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant title in October, and believes he will beat the Brazilian at his own game of submission grappling. Makhachev (22-1) is expected to fight Oct. 22 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, located in a predominantly Muslim region where...

After Charles Oliveira was forced to vacate his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight title following his submission win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 (watch highlights) for coming in a half-pound heavy, “Do Bronx” found some comfort in knowing his next fight will be for the strap. Against...

Islam Makhachev has broken down how a fight with Charles Oliveira would play out. The Dagestani fighter hopes the UFC will make the fight happen. Following his victory over Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, who is already the other half of the next lightweight title fight, has become the top target of Islam Makhachev. Ahead of the potential showdown, Makhachev is already certain he will get the better of the Brazilian.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has backed Islam Makhachev to beat Charles Oliveira inside three rounds if the two lightweights meet in a title fight.Makhachev has assembled a compelling resume and emerged as one of the top contenders for the lightweight crown after winning his last ten fights.Oliveira was stripped of the UFC belt after failing to make weight ahead of his encounter with Justin Gaethje at UFC 274.The Brazilian decisively submitted Gaethje in the first round at the event, and could now take on Makhachev in an attempt to regain the now vacant title.Nurmagomedov believes that regardless of Oliveira’s performance in Phoenix...

Rafael dos Anjos has taken a shot at Islam Makhachev. After submitting Justin Gaethje at UFC274, Charles Oliveira said he wanted to fight the winner of Makhachev vs. Beneil Dariush for the vacant title. Yet, the Dagestani native thought he deserved the fight anyway and blasted ‘Do Bronx’ for being “scared to lose” which dos Anjos doesn’t think is true at all.

Charles Oliveira wants some time off after making short work of Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, enough time for the UFC to built the next lightweight contender for, in his words, “my belt.”. Oliveira scored his fastest victory since 2019 when he forced Gaethje to tap to a rear-naked...

Islam Makhachev continues to call out Charles Oliveira for hypocrisy after the Brazilian said he’s not yet deserving of a title shot. Riding a 10-fight win streak, Makhachev has for the past few months consistently argued that he should be next in line for a chance at the belt. The 30-year-old began loudly protesting his case after quickly and impressively submitting Dan Hooker in October. Then, following yet another first-round victory against Bobby Green in February, Makhachev was convinced he’d done enough to earn a title fight.

With Charles Oliveira beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 but leaving without the lightweight title, former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is now pushing for his fighter to get the next shot at the belt. Despite a blistering first-round submission victory, Oliveira is technically now the No. 1 contender at 155 pounds...