After the suspension of top contender Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira's coach believes his fighter is the only logical choice to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Despite a previous loss to Makhachev, coach Diego Lima argues that there are no other contenders currently in the lightweight division and that Oliveira has improved since their first fight. With both Oliveira and his coach pushing for the title shot, could we see a rematch between Oliveira and Makhachev in the near future?
After the sudden suspension of Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira's coach, Diego Lima, is making a strong case for his fighter to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Lightweight Championship. Lima asserts that Oliveira is the only logical contender left in the division, despite his previous loss to Makhachev in 2021.
Lima's reasoning stems from the lack of any other viable contenders at the moment. Rafael Dos Anjos, Beneil Dariush, and Michael Chandler have all recently lost or are recovering from injuries. This leaves Oliveira, the former champion, as the most qualified opponent.
Moreover, Lima believes Oliveira has significantly improved since his loss to Makhachev. He argues that Oliveira has refined his grappling techniques, improved his striking, and gained valuable experience in his subsequent fights. This enhanced skillset, Lima claims, makes Oliveira a more formidable challenger for Makhachev.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When did Charles Oliveira lose to Islam Makhachev? Oliveira lost to Makhachev on October 22, 2021, via second-round submission.
2. What is the current UFC Lightweight Championship status? Islam Makhachev is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, having defeated Charles Oliveira in 2021.
3. Who is Charles Oliveira's coach? Charles Oliveira's coach is Diego Lima.
4. Why was Arman Tsarukyan suspended? Arman Tsarukyan was suspended by the UFC due to a potential anti-doping violation.
5. When could a rematch between Oliveira and Makhachev happen? No official date has been set for a rematch between Oliveira and Makhachev, but Lima believes it could happen in the near future.
Conclusion
With Charles Oliveira's coach advocating for a title shot and the lack of clear contenders in the lightweight division, the possibility of a rematch between Oliveira and Islam Makhachev is growing stronger. Oliveira's improved skills and the passage of time since their first fight suggest that a potential rematch would be a highly competitive and captivating affair.
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