Oliveira fought more top ranked opponents than Islam, says Valentina Shevchenko

UFC Flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko has weighed in on the upcoming showdown between Islam Makhachev and Charles Oliveira.

Speaking to Middle Easy in a recent interview, the Kyrgyzstan fighter noted that the former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is a dangerous opponent for anyone.

"Oliveira, he is so dangerous, but he is fighting like a crazy one. He can beat, but he can receive as well and it's going to be cool. Islam, he's like more calm, more controlled. More like look in his moment. When he has to wrestle, he will wrestle. When he has to like strike, he will strike. So yeah, it's going to be super crazy and a great fight,” Shevchenko noted.

Oliveira and his last few fights  

The Flyweight champion also went on to note that Charles Oliveira has fought more top-ranked opponents when compared to Islam Makachev when asked about whether she was surprised by Makhachev being a betting favourite.

"Yes, because Charles Oliveira fought more top-ranked opponents than Islam. Actually, yeah, he fought all top fighters in the weight division, beat them all, and actually showed, yes, I am belongs here and this is why I hold the belt. Islam, he never had an opportunity to fight someone who is more ranked than him. I mean like top-ranked, higher ranked in the top five,” Shevchenko added.

Interestingly, Oliveira has won over all the fighters in the UFC Lightweight Top-five except Makhachev. Oliveira currently holds a record of 33-8 to his name and is on an impressive 11-fight winning streak.

In his last five fights, the Brazilian secured wins over Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson and Kevin Lee.

ALSO READ | 3 Reasons why Charles Oliveira can beat Islam Makhachev

As for Islam Makhachev, he is 22-1 in his professional career. He is on a 10-fight winning streak in the UFC and got wins over Bobby Green, Dan Hooker, Thiago Moises, Drew Dober and Davi Ramos in his last five fights.

ALSO READ | Rose Namajunas open to fighting Valentina Shevchenko and move to Flyweight

What do you think will happen when Makhachev fights Oliveira at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

LEAVE A COMMENT

Please login to leave a comment

0 Comments