UFC 280-one of the most anticipated events of the year in the world of mixed martial arts, will take place in Abu Dhabi on the 22nd of October. In the main event, lightweights Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev will fight against each other. The fight will start on October 22 at 19:00 UK time.
This fight is not the easiest to predict for the reason that Makhachev has no experience fighting top opponents. Basically, we’re doing what we’re doing now, writing advances on Islam. But I can’t bet on a win for Oliveira, who regularly finds himself knocked out and by the time he’s 32 years old has suffered a lot of injuries. Charr can safely be called a UFC veteran, while the Russian is just reaching the peak of his career. If the challenger from Dagestan does not miss anything critical in the standup, he should take the Brazilian by surprise with his wrestling and attacking grappling. Let me remind you that Oliveira, despite his toughness in BWJ, has been caught in the clinch three times.
Oliveira is one of the most incredible examples of career reincarnation. The Brazilian lost early, broke down psychologically, changed weight classes, but eventually found his team and went for the title. In May 2021, Do Bronx won the UFC lightweight championship belt by defeating Michael Chandler. Then he finished Dustin Porrier and Justin Gagey. However, the last bout was not a title fight for Oliveira, as he failed the weigh-in.
Charles has been able to raise his level due to his focus on muay thai. Considering he’s only 32 years old, he has every chance to be one of the top 10 greatest fighters in MMA history. But Makhachev will be a real tough test for Oliveira. The Bronx has never won a five-fight points fight before, so he’ll probably be in the hunt for a finish now, too.
As a reminder, Charles is the UFC record holder for the number of submissions. In his entire career, he has 30 wins by submission. Oliveira’s favorite sub is the rear naked choke. He also doesn’t mind doing a triangle or an armbar. But I recommend paying attention to the former champion’s punching power as well. The Brazilian lightweight can shock you with both straight punches and counter punches. It is better not to engage in exchanges with him and refrain from pressure.
The Russian is also a master of submissions. I wouldn’t be surprised if Islam finishes Oliveira in his element. There is a feeling that physically Makhachev is stronger. He can corral his opponent in wrestling and try power moves such as kimura. The challenger’s stance is also underrated. Yes, the Dagestani does not use check-hooks, uppercuts, reverse hands and knees, but he uses classic twos from boxing. I would like to especially praise Islam’s jab. He has an excellent forehand, which will be a big problem for the Brazilian.
Makhachev is the UFC record holder for most punches missed. He’s a very cautious and intelligent lightweight. The Russian is inferior to his opponent in terms of his record and experience. Islam has not had a single top-5 opponent. His strongest scalps are Arman Tsarukyan, Dan Hooker, Drew Dober, Thiago Moises, Bobby Green. But Makhachev trained with Khabib Nurmagomedov for years and knows the level of the UFC. Taking into account what team he trained with, Oliveira’s submissions won’t surprise him much.
Age – 32
Height – 1.78
Weight – 70.3
Reach – 1.88
Statistics – 33-8-0
Age – 31
Height – 1.78
Weight – 70.3
Reach – 1.79
Statistics – 22-1-0
Where will this fixture be played?
The event will take place at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi.
Which bookmaker has the best odds for this game?
We recommend checking out the odds for the professional welterweight boxing tournament: Caleb vs Dirrell at 1xBet.