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#2. Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje
With Dustin Poirier failing to dethrone Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje seems to be the most likely matchup for Oliveira next.
The American was present at UFC 269 and congratulated Charles Oliveira after the win.
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Speaking to ESPN MMA soon after, Gaethje expressed his admiration for Charles Oliveira before sending a warning to him.
“I saw a competitor tonight. I saw a dog and I can’t wait to break his face. He gets hit a lot. He better pray and hope for the next however many days until our fight that he takes me down, gets his choke. Because if not, we see what happens.”
Throwing light on the nature of the fight, Gaethje continued:
“He just won a championship. I should build it up. At the end of the day, it’s me trying to knock him out versus him trying to get it to the ground. That’s who we are. That’s who he’s been. That’s who I am. Whether it’s in Brazil, in America, preferably not Abu Dhabi. I’m all in. So I can’t wait.”
Watch Justin Gaethje talk about a fight with Charles Oliveira here:
Arguably one of the best strikers in the lightweight division, Gaethje has 19 knockout wins in his career and has only been submitted once. The sole loss by submission came against former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in 2020.
Under Trevor Wittman's tutelage, Gaethje's striking game has reached new heights. Considering the contrast in their fighting styles, a Gaethje vs. Oliveira fight would be an interesting one. While 'The Highlight' will have a standing advantage, 'Do Bronx' will pose problems for him on the ground.
#1. Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev
Charles Oliveira is one of the best grapplers in UFC history. With fifteen finishes via submission, 'Do Bronx' holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC history.
Considering the way the Brazilian has dominated his opponents on the ground, it’s only fair to match him up with someone equally if not more competent at ground fighting - Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev is currently the No.4-ranked fighter in the lightweight division, and has been hailed as the next Khabib. Like his longtime friend and training partner, Makhachev is phenomenal on the ground.
Makhachev has five submission wins in his UFC career - the same as Khabib Nurmagomedov. Additionally, he has never been submitted in his entire career. His lone defeat came via knockout at UFC 192 to to Adriano Martins.
Currently on a nine-fight winning streak, the Russian has taken giant strides in the lightweight division and will face No.3-ranked Beneil Dariush in a title eliminator next February.
Congratulating Charles Oliviera after UFC 269, Islam Makhachev made his intentions clear on social media about the title fight with the Brazilian.
Should Makhachev defeat Dariush, he would be earning himself a fight with Charles Oliveira - who is yet to be challenged on the ground. The fight is one of the best stylistic matchups the UFC can make.
