Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has spoken out about the upcoming rematch between current lightweight division champion Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira. The fight will take place on October 21 at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Will the rematch be more difficult? Yes. There's more risk for Islam here. Oliveira has nothing to lose, he's lost before. He had some worries in the first fight, but now..... I don't think it's going to be an easy fight for either of them. The second fight will be more difficult for Islam. This is only my personal opinion.
Oliveira and Makhachev first met in the octagon in 2022 in Abu Dhabi at UFC 280. The Russian fighter won by choke in the second round.
Oliveira, 33, last stepped into the octagon against Beneil Dariush in June of this year at UFC 289. Charles won that fight by technical knockout in the first round. He has 34 wins and nine losses under his belt.
Makhachev, 31, last fought against Alex Volkanovski in February of this year at UFC 284. In that confrontation, Islam won by unanimous decision. He has 24 wins and one loss on his record.