Khabib Nurmagomedov impressed by Charles Oliveira, hopes Islam Makhachev fights him for title

Khabib Nurmagomedov wants to see a title fight between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev materialize by the end of 2022.

Oliveira (32-8 MMA, 20-8 UFC) retained his lightweight title this past Saturday when he submitted Dustin Poirier in the UFC 269 headliner and is projected to face Justin Gaethje next.

Makhachev (21-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) is booked to face Beneil Dariush in the main event of UFC Fight Night on Feb. 26, and Nurmagomedov is hoping the stars align and both Oliveira and Makhachev emerge victorious in their respective bouts.

“Right now is Charles Oliveira time,” Nurmagomedov told ESPN. “He impressed me, and I really believe he is one of the best fighters in the world right now and best lightweight in the world. It’s going to be very interesting fight if next fight Islam wins and Charles wins, and they’re going to fight end of the next year. It’s going to be a great fight.

“It’s going to be a little bit like Tony Ferguson vs. Khabib, you know – Islam vs. Charles Oliveira. They both win. Right now, (Oliveira) has (a) 10-(fight) win streak. If Islam wins next fight, Islam is going to have 10-win streak. And 11-win streak, Charles Oliveira – it’s going to be great, great fight for both of them and for UFC for sure. I really (hope) they both win and they fight end of the next year.”

Nurmagomedov had picked Poirier to beat Oliveira, but after “The Diamond” failed for a second time in his bid for undisputed gold, Nurmagomedov put his promoter hat on when discussing his future.

“Just call me. I’m going to sign Dustin Poirier to Eagle FC 165 (division),” Nurmagomedov said. “Dustin can fight in 170 – it’s a little bit hard to make 155. Of course he always made it, but it’s going to be good for him, 165. If UFC release him, Khabib (is) here always with Eagle FC. We’re going to sign him. We can make some charity stuff together. Let’s go, Dustin.”

Nurmagomedov recently signed former UFC interim lightweight title challenger Kevin Lee to Eagle FC and has added new 165-pound and 175-pound weight divisions to his promotion.