Charles Oliveira will take on Islam Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on October 22.
The Brazilian was stripped of his belt for missing weight for his title defence against Justin Gaethje in May before going on to submit the American in the first round. He immediately called out Conor McGregor but will instead take on Makhachev who is riding a 10-fight win streak in the UFC.
McGregor has only recently returned to full training after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier last summer. He gave a lukewarm response to Oliveira's call-out, admitting he is more likely to return at welterweight.
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But the former champion was adamant that he wanted the 'money fight'. "It would be a very good fight for me," Oliveira told ESPN of a McGregor fight. "It would put a lot of money in my pocket, and [at this moment] that's the most important thing.
"And it would also be really good for my legacy, for me to have in my story. Regardless, if he's coming from defeat or not, he's a guy who's made history, so I think it would be great, but it's not just up to me. If it were up to me, this fight would already be happening."
Makhachev has one defeat on his record, a loss to Adriano Martins in 2015, and has won his last two fights, against Dan Hooker and Bobby Green, in the first round. He is one of the most highly-rated fighters on the UFC roster and has long been touted as a champion-in-waiting.
McGregor's former rival Khabib Nurmagomedov was keen to state his protege's claim to a title shot and believes that the Russian star is capable of following in his footsteps and becoming champion. If Makhachev suffers defeat to Oliveira in his maiden title challenge, Oliveira believes he may be able to lure the undefeated star from retirement and back into the octagon.
He has also made a confident prediction for his meeting with Makhachev and believes he is the biggest problem in the division with his rival joining others in talking too much. “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. 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."
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