Charles Oliveira explains why it's not possible for Arman Tsarukyan to defeat Islam Makhachev: "It's not a fight he can win"

Charles Oliveira has shared the octagon with both Arman Tsarukyan and Islam Makhachev. While the lightweight champion still has to get through Dustin Poirier, who he will face in the main event of UFC 302 this weekend, it is widely assumed that 'Ahalkalakets' will receive the next opportunity to challenge him for the title.

Speaking to Guilherme Cruz of MMA Fighting, 'Do Bronx' claimed that he believes Makhachev will retain the belt when he faces Tsarukyan, stating:

"Arman is a guy that takes you down and holds you there the entire time. No way. It’s not a fight he can win. Of course, I’ve just said this and I can’t backtrack, we’re talking about MMA and it’s very unpredictable."

He continued:

"A guy closes his eyes and throws a hand that lands, you’re knocked out. He throws a kick that lands, you shoot for a takedown and end up in a submission. MMA is unpredictable, but I think Islam is way more experienced, has more focus, more hunger, and is much stronger than Arman." [h/t MMA Fighting]

Oliveira suffered a second-round submission loss to Makhachev at UFC 280 with the lightweight title on the line. He was forced to withdraw from their planned rematch at UFC 294, suffering a cut to his eyebrow. 'Do Bronx' returned against Tsarukyan at UFC 300, losing the bout via split decision.

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Charles Oliveira responds to Colby Covington callout

Charles Oliveira was recently called out by Colby Covington, who claimed he only wants legacy fights at this stage of his career. When asked about the call-out by Brazilian publication Ag. Fight, the No.4-ranked lightweight responded:

"Man, in reality it's like I said, it's sitting down and looking at legacy, history, values. You have to sit down. When I woke up in the morning, thousands of people were sending me messages, I sent it to Diego [Lima] and Diego said it too, I see what you think."

He added:

"I said, Diego, just sit down, talk, think, see what's good, see what the UFC thinks about it. It's not just what Charles thinks, it's about what the UFC thinks about it. [Colby] is a talkative guy, he's a guy who talks a lot, so let's see. Why not?"

Check out Charles Oliveira's comments on facing Colby Covington below:

Charles Oliveira added that he would be open to moving up a weight class if the fight makes sense. He last competed at welterweight in 2008, defeating three opponents in the division on the same day to win the Predator FC Welterweight Grand Prix.