UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev has stated that he considers Charles Oliveira a champion but added that real champions must remain professional and cut weight properly.
Makhachev referred to Oliveira’s controversial UFC 274 weight-miss. The Brazilian stepped onto the scale as the 155lbs king but was half a pound over the championship limit.
‘Do Bronx’ was subsequently stripped of the title and only Justin Gaethje was eligible to take the belt home.
Oliveira fought through the controversy and defeated ‘The Highlight’ via submission inside the first round. After the bout, Dana White named ‘do Bronx’ as the No.1 contender for the now-vacant title and Makhachev was later booked as the opponent.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Islam Makhachev was asked if he considers the Brazilian the lightweight champion. The 31-year-old said:
“He [Charles Oliveira] is a champion but he have to show other fighters a good example because he has to cut weight and he has to be professional.”
Makhachev was likely asked the question as the Brazilian has regularly stated that he still considers himself the champion. The 33-year-old Oliveira views UFC 280 as a third title defense and has approached his fight camp with a champion’s mindset.
Catch the full TMZ Sports interview here:
