Charles Oliveira believes beating Khabib Nurmagomedov's close friend Islam Makhachev will bring the legendary lightweight out of retirement.
Nurmagomedov was one of the greatest champions in the UFC's history, going 29-0 before his shock retirement in 2020. Despite multiple efforts from the promotion to get him back for one last fight, he has insisted he will honour his mother's wishes after she begged him to hang up the gloves following his father Abdulmanap's passing.
But Oliveira believes that he won't be able to help himself if Makhachev loses when he finally gets his shot at the gold. The Brazilian is technically not the current champion after missing weight for his last defence against Justin Gaethje by half-a-pound, but he is considered in spirit to be the title holder and his next bout will be for the belt.
Makhachev has been plotting his own path to a title shot with a 10-fight UFC winning streak, but has missed out at the last few opportunities. And Nurmagomedov feels so strongly about his pal's worthiness of a title shot, he has left no stone unturned attempting to make it happen, including texts with promotional boss Dana White.
“I’ll beat him," Oliveira told Ag Fight of his chances against Makhachev, before explaining his ultimate plan. "Who knows, maybe you [Nurmagomedov] come of retirement and come too? Each one says what they want. I am the division’s problem. I have some of the best jiu-jitsu in the division and in the UFC. I think these guys are talking too much. They want to get in my mind, but that’s not possible.
“He was champion, 29 wins in a row, and never said anything. He always sold the fight in a good way, really damn well, and today he is always talking a lot. And if it’s to talk, I’m going to say it; I’ll beat Islam Makhachev and then challenge Khabib to come back from retirement. It’s the fight everyone will want to see. Isn’t that what everyone will want to see? Everyone says Khabib is f***ing tough. I respect him a lot, but lately, he’s been talking too much.”
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Nurmagomedov has been adamant about not returning, and was last week inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. Generally, fighters don't come back after receiving such an honour following their retirement, although the likes of Urijah Faber and Rashad Evans have returned in recent times.
But there would be major interest in seeing Oliveira, an expert on the ground with knockout power on his feet, against the famous wrestler Nurmagomedov. And if it means finally securing a title fight for his friend Makhachev, it is possible that Nurmagomedov would accept a stipulation that he returns if his pal loses.
However, he has been able to resist some much better offers after hanging up the gloves, so the thought would be fanciful from Oliveira. Dana White refused to consider him legitimately retired for almost a year before putting the vacant belt up, and even Floyd Mayweather couldn't tempt him to an exhibition boxing match for a reported $100million.
