UFC

Makahachev’s cocky gameplan – Is this really how to fight “do Bronx”?

Published

September 15, 2022

Islam Makhachev MMA Frontkick.online (1)

Top ranked lightweight Islam Makhachev will face Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Per Haljestam – USA TODAY Sports

On October 22, top ranked lightweight Islam Makhachev will face former champion Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira in a lightweight title bout at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi.

Recently, Makhachev revealed his somewhat unusual gameplan for the bout against the feared Brazilian. In a tweet, the Dagestani wrestler claimed that he will use the first round just for warming up.

“First round warm up, second round drag him to deep water, third round get business done Inshallah. Can’t wait for Oct 22,” Makhachev wrote on Twitter.

First round warm up, second round drag him to deep water, third round get business done Inshallah ✅ Can’t wait for Oct 22 👊🏼 @ufc https://t.co/WaLUK0Ngtz

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) September 14, 2022

Islam Makhachev rides a ten-fight win streak

For the last six years, No. 4 ranked Islam Makhachev is undefeated in the UFC with ten straight wins. His career-only loss came against Adriano Martins at UFC 192 on October 3, 2015. All in all, the wrestling heavy MMA fighter has a professional record of 22-1.

Charles Oliveira won the vacant lightweight title in May 2021 with a TKO-win over Michael Chandler. He then defended the belt against Dustin Poirier in December last year, with a third-round submission. Since he didn’t make championship weight before his second title defence against Justin Gaethje, he was stripped of the title. However, he defeated the American with a first round submission.

The former champion holds UFC records for the most submission wins in the promotion’s history at 16, and most finishes at 19.

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