BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 20: Islam Makhachev celebrates his first round knockout against Gleison Tibau in their Lightweight fight during UFC 220 at TD Garden on January 20, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Charles Olivera is set to face Islam Makhachev for the interim lightweight belt this fall.
However, Olivera, who has won his past 11 fights will be the underdog coming into the fight.
In fact, Makhachev is a significant -200 favorite, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
While Makhachev is on an impressive fight win streak of his own, he has yet to face tough competition.
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None of the opponents he has faced are ranked in the Lightweight division’s top 10.
During his last bout, Makhachev fought 35-year-old Bobby Green, who took the fight on short notice at 160 pounds.
He wound up winning by technical knockout after getting Green to the ground.
Olivera, on the other hand, has beaten former UFC Lightweight interim champions Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje in his last two fights.
They are ranked second and third respectively in the Lightweight division – and ahead of Makhachev.
But there was some controversy surrounding Olivera during his last fight.
He had his Lightweight belt stripped because he could not make the 155-pound weight.
Thus, Olivera is no longer the champion and will instead fight Makhachev for the vacant belt.
While this will be a big step up for Makhachev, his fighting style will pose an interesting threat to Olivera.
The close friend to arguably the greatest Lightweight of all time, Khabib Nurmagomedov, has exceptional takedown ability and top control.
When Makhachev has his opponents on the ground they have a tough time getting up.
But what makes this fight so interesting is Olivera has the most submissions in UFC history with 16.
His wild Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu abilities make him a dangerous matchup for Makhachev if or when he’s able to take him to the ground.
What’s even more interesting is current Featherweight king Alexander Volkanovski wants to fight the winner and jump up to 155.
While UFC president Dana White has entertained the idea, it’s unclear if he will move forward with it.
But for now, Makhachev and Olivera are set to face off on October 22.
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