Islam Makhachev Explains What Motivates Him To Rematch Charles Oliveira After Dominant 2022 Win

It’ll be a familiar scene when the mixed martial arts leader returns to Abu Dhabi later this month.

The promotion’s most recent trip to the United Arab Emirates came last October, when Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira topped the UFC 280 lineup in competition for the vacant lightweight title.

12 months on, the pair will run it back inside the Etihad Arena, this time with the Dagestani standout looking to defend his place on the throne opposite the Brazilian former champion.

The bout will mark Makhachev’s first attempted retention against a lightweight contender, having faced a challenge from below against featherweight kingpin Alexander Volkanovski this past February.

Given the manner with which he dispatched Oliveira a year ago — a knockdown followed by a submission win in the second round to conclude a dominant performance — some have been asking questions regarding Makhachev’s motivation to share the cage with “Do Bronx” once again.

For the champ himself, complacency isn’t something that he’s concerned about.

Makhachev Names Desire To Keep The Belt As Sufficient ‘Motivation’

During a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Makhachev looked ahead to the sophomore defense in his title reign, and reflected on his emphatic victory over his upcoming challenger in 2022.

Despite facing little resistance from Oliveira at the UFC’s previous Abu Dhabi-held event, the Dagestani isn’t short on hunger to overcome the Brazilian for a second time come fight night on October 21.

“I feel the same thing like last year. Last year in September, I come to Dubai, same hotel I stay, same training center… When you do all the same things, it’s not fun,” Makhachev said. “Last fight I took zero damage. I don’t feel the power from Charles. Maybe he changed something, I hope.

“You know why (I’m still motivated)? Because you have belt, you look at the belt, and you don’t wanna lose that belt. This is big motivation,” Makhachev continued. “That’s why I am going to protect my belt. I am training so hard because I know now everybody looks at me, everybody wants to take this belt. I’m not gonna give the chance to anyone.”

Makhachev will look to prove as much by repeating the performance that saw him secure the lightweight crown last year.

Should he accomplish that feat, the Dagestani will further enhance his legacy and move closer to surpassing the length of his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov’s reign as champion.

See you soon guys 😎 https://t.co/XPZVmFTDea

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 20, 2023

• Read Also: Ranked UFC Lightweight Explains Why Charles Oliveira Beating Islam Makhachev Would Be ‘Better For The Division’

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