ABU DHABI – Islam Makhachev wants to prove he’s better on the ground than Charles Oliveira.
Makhachev (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) faces Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in Saturday’s UFC 280 main event at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNNews and ESPN+.
In Oliveira (33-8 MMA, 21-8 UFC), Makhachev faces the UFC’s all-time leader in finishes and submission wins, but he’s confident his grappling will prevail.
“This is my goal, finish him on the ground because I have to show all people my grappling level,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 280 media day. “This is an MMA fight. We’re gonna begin in the standup, I’m gonna check his skills there. All my opponents are good, for example Drew Dober, all these guys. If I’m gonna stand with them, they can make me some trouble, but I just have to do where I’m good. Close the distance, hold him, take him down.
“I’m gonna do the same thing always, take them down, hold them, make them tired and finish him.”
Oliveira never lost his lightweight title, but was stripped prior to finishing Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 due to missing weight. Although Oliveira insists he was on weight, Makhachev hopes there are no issues on the scale on Friday.
“He’s the champion, but he has to show all fighters good example because you have to be professional and I hope he makes weight this time,” Makhachev said.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 280.
