Charles Oliveira is set to take on the biggest threat yet to his lightweight title later this year in Abu Dhabi.
Oliveira (33-8-0, 1NC), 32, has been on fire and hasn’t lost a fight since December 2017, a span of 11 fights. He recently submitted Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 in May, but because he missed weight, was stripped of the lightweight belt before the bout and ruled ineligible to win it.
Assuming he makes weight in Abu Dhabi and defeats Makhachev, he will once again regain the crown.
Meanwhile, the No. 4 Makhachev (22-1-0), 30, hasn’t lost since October 2015, a span of 10 matches. He recently stopped Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49 in February. A protege of recently inducted UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev is considered by many to have the best grappling in the division.
UFC 280 is scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. More bouts are expected to be announced.
