Charles Oliveira has warned Islam Makhachev not to treat their UFC title fight as a "joke".
The Brazilian star was stripped of his lightweight crown after missing weight back in May, but he will look to reclaim the vacant strap when he takes on Makhachev in Abu Dhabi at UFC 280 on October 22. Oliveira called out Conor McGregor after his victory over Justin Gaethje, before which he had his title taken away, but was forced with no option but to accept the Russian's challenge.
Makhachev and Oliveira have developed a war of words since the announcement of the fight with the likes of Makhachev's mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov and manager Ali Abdelaziz becoming involved. Oliveira believes that the "arrogance" of his upcoming rival's team will not phase him after previously suffering a heart condition.
"They're being arrogant and that's what will kill them," Oliveira said. "The arrogance from their manager, former fighters, their arrogance will kill them. If they think they're going to come here and think this is a joke, I'm going to tell you one thing.
"No-one will ever hit me harder than life has hit me. I escaped a heart condition. Doctors told me I would never fight or doing anything sport-related but I became the UFC champion." Makhachev's manager Abdelaziz has since replied to the claim, tweeting: "Charles I just heard you said we are arrogant we know you’re a great champion and a great human being. We know you’re very tough and this is not personal on October 22.
"It is going to be a great fight and we will see who is the champion. Big respect for you and your team." The Brazilian has already boldly declared his confidence in beating Makhachev despite the Russian having an ominous ground game.
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Oliveira has the most finishes in UFC history and is also known for his superb wrestling which could see an intriguing clash of similar styles in the octagon. The Brazilian is still considered the champion by many and will likely go into the event as the favourite despite Makhachev's credentials.
Former undefeated UFC champion Nurmagomedov has already become heavily involved in Makhachev's preparations which will no doubt boost thew new challenger's confidence further. Makhachev has won all 12 of his outings in the UFC including wins over Dan Hooker and Thiago Moises, and is considered one of the UFC's brightest talents.
But Oliveira maintains he is the division's best fighter and has vowed to go toe-to-toe with Makhachev. “I’m going to his home, where they wanted the fight, where they think they will beat me,” Oliveira said on MMA Fighting's podcast Trocação Franca. “I know I’m the biggest problem of this division.
"No one’s dumb, right? Every guy Islam fought was a striker and he took them down. And I went toe to toe with every guy I fought and only took them down to make things happen."
