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#2. Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson is currently on a three-fight losing streak, but MMA fans know better than to write him off, even against a fighter like Islam Makhachev. The UFC veteran is a former interim champion and one of the toughest fighters in the history of the organization.
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'El Cucuy' is right up there with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev when it comes to cardio. He was considered the only man in the UFC who had a healthy chance at defeating 'The Eagle' during the former UFC 155-pound champion's reign. The best chance for Tony Ferguson to immortalize his legacy is by defeating the one closest to Khabib, Islam Makhachev.
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Islam Makhachev has given the fight against Tony Ferguson a thought as well, and has said that he wants to retire the MMA legend. However, we don't think the feat is going to be a simple one. It wasn't long back that 'El Cucuy' was destroying his competition left, right, and center, building a 12-fight winning streak in the UFC.
With 12 knockouts and eight submission wins, Tony Ferguson is one of the most well-rounded and deadly fighters that Islam Makhachev can face inside the octagon.
Also Read: 5 potential opponents for UFC lightweight star Islam Makhachev.
#1. Charles Oliveira
It's going to take more than a reputation for being a dangerous fighter for Islam Makhachev to defeat the reigning UFC lightweight champion. Charles Oliveira is one of the most hardworking fighters in the UFC and he's overcome all sorts of adversities to be where he is now.
The Brazilian is one of the best grapplers in MMA, and the way he has toyed with his competition, including Tony Ferguson, is a glaring testimony to his mastery.
Charles Oliveira has 19 submission wins in his career. But that doesn't make him any weaker in striking, as his nine knockout wins have come against some of the most decorated strikers. 'Do Bronx' currently has the longest active winning streak in the UFC lightweight division. In an encounter against Islam Makhachev, the Brazilian is more likely to extend his momentum than to break it.
While Oliveira is as well-versed in striking and grappling as Islam Makhachev, he is miles ahead of the Dagestani in experience. He can certainly put an end to Islam Makhachev's hype train if the pair collide later down the line.
