UFC 280: Islam Makhachev vs Charles "Do Bronx" Oliveira Preview

Will Charles Oliveira once again shock the world and defeat Khabib's prodigy, Islam Makhachev, and take back what some say he never really lost? Or will Makhachev put a stop to Oliiveira with his high-level Sambo and grind out a win? Earlier this year, Oliveira was stripped of his lightweight title due to a problem with the scale. Oliveira weighed in the night before and was .5 pounds overweight on the day of weigh-ins, causing the UFC to take the belt away from him. Oliveira went on to defeat Justin Gaethje, submitting him in the first round, to earn another title fight against Makhachev.

Makhachev is a prodigy of his trainer, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Islam, a sambo master and wrestler, has greatly improved his striking since he burst on the scene. Islam (22-1) has finished six out of his last 10 fights in dominant fashion. Islam started his career 12-0 and was finished by knock out in his 13th pro bout. Since then, Islam has won 10 fights in a row, earning him the light-weight title fight that he’s been calling for the last year. "This division is asleep. I deserve the title shot," says Islam.

Oliveira is one of the best Jiu-Jitsu artists the fight game has ever seen. His striking has improved drastically throughout his career as well. Olivera (33-8) has lost eight fights in his career and finished seven times, and then BOOM! Something clicked for "Do Bronx."

Since his last loss, he has won 11 fights, finishing 10 of 11, beating the likes of Tony Ferguson, Micheal Chandler, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. Other fighters have come out and said they still think of "Charles" as the champion of this division. "The champion has a name, and his name is Charles Do Bronx," says Oliveira.

There are some different outcomes that can happen in this fight. If this fight is against the cage, I believe Islam could grind this win to a decision. If Olivera can keep it away from the cage, I believe he can out-strike and look for different submissions he likes to look for. In my humble opinion, I believe that Oliveira is going to take this submission and prove all the doubters wrong once again. For all of you Bettors out there Islam is the favorite at -170; Olivera will walk into the cage as the underdog at +145. On October 22nd, we are going to find out who will prevail. Personally, I'm taking "Do Bronx" on the money line at +145.