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Oliveira vs Makhachev Prediction, Fight Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

This is The Ultimate Lightweight Championship Fight

Oliveira Enters as Underdog

Despite being the former UFC Lightweight Champion with an 11-fight winning streak, Charles Oliveira will be the underdog against Islam Makhachev, per the UFC odds. This isn’t an indictment of Oliveira, but rather a statement on how dominant Makhachev-the great Khabib Nurmagomedov’s prodigy-has been. However, Oliveira’s been consistently a dangerous underdog, looking to cash in the biggest fight in this division.

Let’s check the latest UFC odds, stats, and UFC lines for Oliveira vs Makhachev. We’ve plenty of UFC betting odds for you to consider.

Charles Oliveira of Brazil
Charles Oliveira of Brazil | Carmen mandato/getty images/afp

Oliveira Has “GOAT” Blood

Oliveira is familiar with being counted out. This will be his 11th time as an underdog, a position he’s relished. In his 10 bouts as ‘dog, “Do Bronx” is 7-3. The last time he lost as one? August, 2016, a featherweight bout against Anthony Pettis. But Oliveira was a different fighter back then.

This is a fighter who’s 33, already with 30 UFC bouts under his belt. He debuted in the UFC at 20, and was thrown to the wolves. He was adept at finishing fights, but was getting finished. Too, especially against serious UFC fighters. Then, something clicked with the Brazilian.

Oliveira then became more resilient in fights, absorbing punishment and not folding, as he did in younger days. He’s still peaking as a fighter. That’s a scary thought about someone who holds the UFC records in finishes (19) and submissions (16). Betting online on this man to be the 155-pound GOAT (greatest of all time) is a sharp proposition as well.

Is Makhachev Ready For This Moment?

Many are considering Makhachev to be the uncrowned king of the division. This isn’t a knock on Oliveira, but simply that Makhachev has been the preeminent fighter out there. Since losing in 2015, Makhachev has mopped the floor with his competition, with so many matches one-sided.

Many will criticize Makhachev’s lack of wins against the top level of competition. It’s not his fault so many ranked fighters have avoided him. Who can blame them? Makhachev has turned tough guys (Bobby Green and Dan Hooker) into amateurs. While it’s fair noting the two fought on short notice, but couldn’t last four minutes.

Makhachev has also dominated all kinds of grapplers, including Thiago Moises and Nik Lentz. It behooves the oddsmakers to give him wide lines on the online sportsbook, especially when you factor the presence of Nurmagomedov in his corner.

Oliveira vs Makhachev Head-to-Head

Oliveira and Makhachev are quite similar in height and age, but the former champ has a 3½- inch advantage in reach. He’s also fought much tougher competition. His last five fights have been against fighters in the top 10 the rankings,

Oliveira vs Makhachev Fight Information

  • Fighters: Oliveira (33-8-0) vs Makhachev (22-1-0)
  • Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, UAE
  • Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 22nd, 1:00 p.m. ET
  • Oliveira vs Makhachev Live stream: UFC Fight Pass

Oliveira vs Makhachev Betting Lines

Team Moneyline Total
Charles Oliveira +155
2½+135
Islam Makhachev -190
2½-165

The odds in this chart are based on the time of publication. They are subject to change.

Oliveira vs Makhachev Prediction

Makhachev is a deserving favorite herem, even if our pick is Oliveira. Makhachev’s grappling could neutralize Oliveira’s BJJ. While Oliveira makes submissions easy, he hasn’t fought a dominant grappler quite like Makhachev. Justin Gaethje was more of a striker. Do not discount Makhachev’s better corner advice once the fight gets nasty.

However, the x-factors are all in Oliveira’s favor. Makhachev hasn’t fought in a big main event such as this. There is added pressure on Makhachev to deliver in front of his fans, and to carry the legacy of Nurmagomedov. A mistake at any point, Oliveira will make him pay. So, at plus-money, the former champ is our pick.

As an extra bet, take this fight to go under 2½ rounds. In fact, this fight may not even make it out of the second round, given how active both these men are. That may be the best UFC bet.

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