Islam Makhachev will fly to Abu Dhabi 40 days before his title clash with Charles Oliveira in an attempt to avoid jet lag affecting his chances in the title fight.
The rising star will challenge for the lightweight title when he faces former champion Oliveira for the vacant strap at UFC 280 on October 22.. The fight will take place on the UFC's 'Fight Island' in Abu Dhabi, with Oliveira looking to reclaim his belt after being stripped of the title when he missed weight for his previous defence against Justin Gaethje.
Former undefeated 155lb champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has been Makhachev's mentor throughout his career, and called for his charge to receive a title shot. Now the Russian has received his chance at world honours, Nurmagomedov is expected to be heavily involved in his preparations.
Nurmagomedov has admitted his previous experience fighting in the Middle East could be a key factor in his protege's training camp going forward. "We're going to be in Abu Dhabi," Nurmagomedov confirmed when discussing Makhachev's training plan in an interview on the Mike Finch Show. "We're going to move to Dubai. We're going to be there for like, 40 days. We're going to be there 40 days before the fight, no jet lag.
"It's very important because it's desert. It's a completely different place. I have fought there a couple of times, I know how to feel. Islam is always there with me, we know how to feel. You have to be there before the fight. We are just fighters you know? Islam is signed with the UFC it doesn't matter if they told us to go to Brazil. We have 90 days before the fight and this for me as a fan of MMA is going to be the most exciting fight of this year right now."
Nurmagomedov has already been involved with the build-up to the fight, having helped Makhachev secure the fight by stating his claim after Oliveira's victory over Justin Gaethje. Oliveira has made it clear that he believes he is the best fighter in the division, and has offered to start on the ground with Makhachev later this year.
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Makahchev is known for his elite ground game which Nurmagomedov was known for during his own UFC career. Oliveira believes he can also beat Nurmagomedov and has claimed he would be willing to try and lure the Russian out of retirement if he gets past Makhachev.
“I’ll beat him," Oliveira told Ag Fight. Who knows, maybe you [Nurmagomedov] come of retirement and come too? 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."
