Islam Makhachev believes Charles Oliveira is doubting his own chances of winning the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280
Makhachev, 30, has the chance to become a UFC champion for the first time on October 22 as he faces Oliveira for the vacant lightweight belt. Oliveira was supposed to be making his second title defence of his 155lb title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, but he was stripped of the belt despite winning the fight in the opening round as he missed weight by half a pound.
Oliveira is unbeaten in 11 fights heading into his clash with Makhachev, who has not lost in his past 10 fights. The Russian believes Oliveira was avoiding a fight with him after calling out the likes of Nate Diaz and Conor McGregor before the pair were booked to meet in Abu Dhabi.
