He may be retired, but former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is still keeping a close eye on his former division.
The undefeated “Eagle” recently spoke to Russian reporter Igor Lazorin to give his thoughts on the 155-pound title picture. He had nothing but praises for current champion Charles Oliveira, who won the vacant belt at UFC 262.
Charles Oliveira is a very worthy champion. He seems to have eight wins in a row. So many finishes. As I remember, only against Tony Ferguson he had a full fight. I think Oliveira is a very worthy champion. Many finishes, many records in the UFC.
Khabib, however, isn’t a fan of the idea of having Michael Chandler as a UFC champion.
It would be a shame if Michael Chandler won. Two fights in the UFC and already champion – that would be somehow wrong. And Charles Oliveira has progressed very much. This is a worthy champion. I’m glad for him.
Despite his praises for “Do Bronx,” Khabib foresees a short-lived reign. He also gave his prediction on who the new champion will be by the end of 2022, while not forgetting to give props to his boy.
When Islam Makhachev rises in the ranking, Oliveira will no longer be a champion. The main thing is that Oliveira should understand my words correctly. I respect him, he’s a worthy champion. But when Islam will go up, there will be another champion during the year.
In my eyes, it will be Dustin Poirier.
Poirier will first have to deal with Conor McGregor as they face each other for the third time at UFC 264 in July. As for Makhachev, he is booked to fight Thiago Moises on July 17.
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