Islam Makhachev doesn’t think Charles Oliveira rematch is a good idea: ‘He will give up’

ABU DHABI – Islam Makhachev is open to fighting anyone, but he doesn’t view Charles Oliveira as the most logical choice for his next opponent.

The lightweight champion, Makhachev (25-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC), was initially scheduled for a rematch against Oliveira in the headliner of UFC 294. However, Oliveira’s cut forced him out of the fight, and he was replaced by featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski (26-2 MMA, 13-1 UFC). After a grueling five-round battle with Volkanovski at UFC 284, Makhachev stunned him with a first-round head kick knockout last Saturday at the Etihad Arena.

Although UFC CEO Dana White has expressed interest in rebooking the Makhachev vs. Oliveira rematch, Makhachev doesn’t appear too eager for it after dominating Oliveira in their previous encounter at UFC 280. Makhachev dropped Oliveira and submitted him in the second round, but he made it clear that he’s willing to fight whoever is offered to him.

“It’s not my job. Dana has to work on this,” Makhachev told MMA Junkie and other reporters during a post-fight news conference. “I’ll just sign the contract. Just send me the name. But, in my opinion, I already have two potential opponents. Charles? Okay, I’ll beat Charles, but who’s going to be next? (Justin) Gaethje? Will he wait? I don’t think it’s a good idea, but it is what it is. If they say Charles, okay. If they say Gaethje, it’s fine with me. It doesn’t matter – I’ll be ready.”

If Oliveira is indeed Makhachev’s next opponent, he vows that the outcome won’t be any different the second time around.

“It’s not going to be different,” Makhachev confidently stated. “I’ll show him, and he’ll have a tough time. He’ll give up, and I’ll either choke him or finish him.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 294.

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie