Khabib Nurmagomedov is happy that Charles Oliveira was the next heir to his throne.
After Nurmagomedov retired and vacated his UFC lightweight title, Oliveira faced former three-time Bellator champion Michael Chandler for the vacant belt in the main event of UFC 262.
Oliveira came from behind to knock out Chandler and win the title, a result that Nurmagomedov was pleased to see.
“He deserves to be a lightweight champion,” Khabib told RT Sport and other reporters. “What does he have, eight wins in a row? And seven of those eight were finishes. Only the Ferguson fight went to decision. I think he deserves the belt – so many finishes and UFC records. It’d be sad if Chandler won, if he became champion after two UFC fights. It wouldn’t be right. Oliveira improved a lot, and he deserves to be champion. I’m really happy for him because when anyone reaches success you have to respect that. I think he deserves to be champion”
But make no mistake: Nurmagomedov still touts his protege, teammate and friend Islam Makhachev as a future champion. Nurmagomedov, who put his title on Makhachev’s shoulder at UFC 242, doesn’t see Oliveira as the man standing across him when the time comes.
“I don’t think he’ll be champion when Islam (Makhachev) rises to that level,” Nurmagomedov said of Oliveira. “It’s important that Oliveira doesn’t misinterpret my words. I respect him. I just think when Islam goes up the rankings after a year there will be another champion. I think it will be Dustin Poirier.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov glad Charles Oliveira is UFC champion: ‘It’d be sad if Chandler won’
