Khabib Nurmagomedov is adamant that Islam Makhachev needs to the be the man to fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title after UFC 274.
Nurmagomedov, a former 155-pound titleholder, was watching closely as Oliveira (33-8 MMA, 21-8 UFC) submitted Justin Gaethje (23-4 MMA, 6-4 UFC) in the first round of Saturday’s main event at Footprint Center in Phoenix. The belt became vacant with the result because Oliveira missed weight in what was a stunning twist leading into fight night.
UFC president Dana White has said Oliveira will “a hundred percent” be one half of the next divisional title fight; it’s just a matter of who will be the opponent standing across from him.
