KARACHI: Khabib Nurmagomedov has supported Islam Makhachev to defeat former UFC champion Charles Oliveira in a maximum of three rounds.
After the Brazilian was stripped of his championship at UFC 274 for missing weight, Nurmagomedov requested Makhachev fight Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. At the event, Oliveira submitted Justin Gaethje to cement his status as the greatest lightweight in the promotion.
Regardless of how pleasing fans were by Oliveira's previous performance, Nurmagomedov believes Makhachev is the superior fighter. Oliveira and Makhachev are expected to battle.
"My prediction is a maximum of three rounds, no matter how good he is, Islam is better than him. Just remember these words," Khabib said, according to Mirror UK.
Makhachev has gone undefeated in his previous ten fights, mimicking Nurmagomedov's domination at 155 pounds. The bout between the No. 4 rated Russian and top challenger Beneil Dariush was cancelled in February.