One of the Greatest Mixed Martial Artists in Combat Sports History
I’ve been an avid spectator, fan, and analyst of professional mixed martial arts for close to 25 years. Yes, I’m old. The UFC has forever been the pinnacle of the sport, you conquer that place, and your name is etched in the history books. Fighters come, fighters go; in fact, a LOT of fighters fail at achieving what most pro-MMA competitors dream of, and that’s a main event position.
However, every once in a while, a special talent comes along. Though many didn’t expect it to begin with, Charles Oliveira earned this title; he’s a one-of-a-kind athlete. For the past thirteen years as a UFC roster member, he’s fought through the trials and tribulations of elite-level MMA. But there’s always been one consistent, his heart and desire to be the best.
As well explore a variety of other Martial Arts odds here to win!
You don’t need to hear it from me; his resume speaks for itself. And his highlight reel, good lord, check it out for yourself.
It was a humble beginning for Olivera’s early UFC stint, as he was inconsistent in wins and losses. But between 2018 and 2020, it all changed. An eight-fight win streak versus the lightweight division’s elite led him to championship gold. He was still pitted as an underdog in MMA news, but the doubters had been silenced. He defended his title twice, walking straight through Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
In steps Islam Makhachev, the Russian predecessor and close friend of the former, undefeated lightweight king, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Oliveira vs Makhachev 2: Does It Make Sense?
As you can see from the video above, Oliveira dominated like we’d never seen before. But in true Charles Oliveira fashion, he bounced back at UFC 289 recently and overcame yet another top-ranked lightweight without breaking a sweat.
The question remains, where does this leave Oliveira moving forward? Rematches aren’t usually granted when dominant victories are achieved, like what we saw with Makhachev. But how can you deny the Brazilian superstar another shot, Dana White?
MMA breaking news has revealed that Oliveira wants a rematch, but of course, he does; what sane fighter at the top of their game wouldn’t? But, and this is a big BUT, I can’t visualize him overcoming what Makhachev brings to the table.
With that said, Makhachev vs. Oliveira II is currently the only option, and I’ll certainly be locked to my TV screen once the fight is booked.
Dana White says he’s “excited” for Charles Oliveira to rematch Islam Makhachev 👀 #UFC289
“Let’s not play games, that fight makes sense, that’s the fight that should happen, and I’m excited to see it again.” pic.twitter.com/7sxTBAPjIn
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) June 11, 2023
According to MMA rumors, it’s controversial for some, a reality for most. I’ll probably receive some hate mail for this but despite Oliveira’s achievements, time as the division’s No.1 won’t resurface. Ask yourself, how many times since he’s competed in the top-10 rankings have you seen a fighter manhandle him the way Makhachev did? Not once.
I’d never say never; we’ve seen stranger things. I’m also not discrediting that Olivera deserves it; he does. I just don’t want to see him get completely outmatched again, and this, ladies and gentlemen, is the most probable outcome should the rematch become a reality.
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