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CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS ISLAM MAKHACHEV FACTS
When is UFC 280? Saturday 22nd October, 2022 - 17:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 280? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 280? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 280
What channel is UFC 280 on? BT Sport 3 (prelims)
Where can I stream UFC 280? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS ISLAM MAKHACHEV LOWDOWN
It is fair to say the unofficial champ Charles Oliveira (33-8(1)) has surged into an electrifying prime where he has put everything together without losing any of his entertainment factor. He is on one the most incredible win streaks we have seen in the octagon riding 11 which include seven submissions and three knockouts. He is coming off a submission over Kevin Lee (2019), unanimous decision over Tony Ferguson (2020), TKO over Michael Chandler (2021) and submissions over Dustin Poirier (2021) and Justin Gaethje (2022). As Oliveira missed weight for the Gaethje fight by half a pound, he was not eligible to win the title, but he is the champ in everyone’s eyes.
Somehow, opponents do not get any easier as Islam Makhachev (22-1) rises as the next contender. He has looked simply immaculate since his sole knockout loss to Adriano Martins (2015). Although is dented the record, it was clearly a valuable learning curve as he has strung 10 wins together since sharpening up his striking in the process. He has also taken a leaf out of Oliveira’s book recently adding finishes. He is coming off submissions over Drew Dober (2021), Thiago Moises (2021) and Dan Hooker (2021) and most recently a TKO over Bobby Green back in February.
CHARLES OLIVEIRA VS ISLAM MAKHACHEV PREDICTION
This best counters to wrestling is jiu-jitsu and knockouts ability which Oliveira has in abundance. He is the submission record holder the UFC and he has refined his boxing to the point he is confident in exchanging with the likes of Chandler, Poirier and Gaethje.
We all know about Makhachev’s wrestling but his striking is very underrated and he will back himself to trade with Oliveira which will make it even easier to take him down. Oliveira gives little resistance to the takedown as he is so confident of finding a submission off his back.
However, another part of Makhachev’s game that is overlooked is his jiu-jitsu. He submitted black belt Thiago Moises with relative ease although we have never seen his submission defence which he will have been drilling relentlessly in training camp.
The stand-up contest will be competitive. Oliveira will laser his punches down the pipe with combinations and Makhachev will throw kicks from his southpaw stance. When the fight goes to the floor it will be just as competitive.
Oliveira is the favourite for many mainly because people feel he is the better striker and will be a submission threat on the ground. However, we do not think it is as simple as that. Makhachev has the wrestling and top control to pin Oliveira and nullify the submission threat. The champ has looked great on the feet recently, but he has been rocked and he has to respect the Russian’s striking.
It is very hard to back against Oliveira finding another finish however, we feel Makhachev has the technique and power to shut him down for five rounds. If Oliveira gases, he may even get submitted.
Prediction: Makhachev via Decision
Value Bet: Makhachev via Submission
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