Charles Oliveira has offered to start his fight with Islam Makhachev on his back as the pair prepare to duel at UFC 280.
Oliveira will look to become 155lb champion once again after he was stripped of his title earlier this year, when he failed to make weight for his title defence against Justin Gaethje. Standing in his way is talented rising star Makhachev who is the protege of retired former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Makhachev has become known for his deadly wrestling at 155lb having submitted 45 per cent of his opponents during his MMA career. However Oliveira believes he remains the division's best fighter and has vowed to challenge anyone either on his feet or on the ground. “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 when assessing the contest.
