Former rivals Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev have a mutual respect for each other.
Makhachev ended Oliveira’s lightweight title reign with a dominant submission victory at UFC 280 in 2022. Oliveira earned himself an immediate rematch opportunity following a knockout win over Beneil Dariush, but was forced to pull out of their scheduled bout at UFC 294 due to a cut he suffered in sparring 12 days before fight date. The Brazilian most recently lost a narrow split decision in a title eliminator bout against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in April.
Oliveira is now looking to move up to welterweight to face Colby Covington, and Makhachev, who fought Dustin Poirier for the title last weekend at UFC 302, was asked about a possible fight between Oliveira and Covington. Makhachev believes Oliveira can beat Covington and has even invited “The Bronx” to train with him in Dagestan.
Oliveira expressed his gratitude for Makhachev’s invitation, but the Brazilian has no interest in training outside his longtime gym, Chute Boxe Diego Lima in Rio de Janeiro. Oliveira also congratulated Makhachev after he won “Fight of the Night” honors at UFC 302 with his submission win over Poirier.
“I am grateful to Islam for inviting me to train. [with
him in Dagestan]but I’m only part of Chute Boxe,” Oliveira told Bandsport (via La Sur“I have no intention of training anywhere else. I’m happy with everything he said. He had a great fight at UFC 302 and proved he is a champion.”
