ABU DHABI – Coach Diego Lima sees Charles Oliveira having the advantage over Islam Makhachev in every facet of their matchup.
Former lightweight champion Oliveira (33-8 MMA, 21-8 UFC) faces Makhachev (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) for the vacant title in Saturday’s UFC 280 main event, which takes place at Etihad Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPNews and ESPN+.
Lima, the Chute Boxe head coach, said Oliveira isn’t afraid to tangle with Makhachev on the ground but expects him to get an early finish on the feet.
“Charles is stronger than him, and Charles has more techniques than him, so that doesn’t scare me,” Lima told MMA Junkie. “Because if Makhachev brings him to the floor, Charles will beat him. And if Makhachev tries to stay up, Charles will knock him out.”
He continued, “It’s going to be in the first or second round, a knockout.”
Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov hasn’t minced his words toward Oliveira. Not only did Nurmagomedov say he expects Makhachev to dominate, he also questioned if Oliveira would even show up.
Lima scoffed at Nurmagomedov’s words and said they’ll come back to bite him once Oliveira beats his protege.
“That’s not good what Khabib is doing, that psychological thing, because he’s a very good guy, a very good fighter, and he was never that guy that was trash talking and things like that,” Lima said.
“It’s not good for Makhachev, because he needed Khabib to get the belt, and Makhachev doesn’t need that, because he’s a good fighter too. Khabib brought a very big responsibility for Makhachev, because after Saturday when Makhachev loses, what is he gonna do? Is he coming back? Is he fighting again?”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 280.