UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman speaks about Charles Oliveira in a recent interview. Previously, Oliveira beat Michael Chandler at UFC 262 to become the new lightweight champion.
‘Do Bronx’ was victorious after a very entertaining fight against Michael Chandler. Although it seemed like Charles was about to lose the fight after the first round, he came out all guns blazing in the second. Eventually, Oliveira was successful and won against Chandler via KO/TKO.
“He’s had a lot of downs, but he’s had a lot of ups lately. More power more respect to him,” says Usman. “Charles Oliveira is a very good example and I think a lot of fighters should take note from that”. Kamaru Usman feels that Oliveira’s journey can serve as an inspiration for a lot of up-and-coming fighters.
Moreover, Usman responds to what could happen in a potential fight between Oliveira and Khabib. “For fans maybe,who truly know, know what would happen in that fight,” he says. “I’m impressed by him (Oliveira), I’m a fan for what he’s able to do, but I just think Khabib is different level”. Whilst Usman finds Oliveria impressive and inspiring, he still feels that his friend Khabib is the best to ever do it.
Khabib Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from UFC after beating Justin Gaethje. ‘The Eagle’ retired in 2020 with a 29-0 record after promising his mother that he would not fight anymore. Khabib took this oath after the passing of his father Abdulmanap in early 2020, due to COVID-related complications.
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Could Charles Oliveira Have Beaten Khabib Nurmagomedov?
Charles Oliveira now lays claim to the belt vacated by Khabib. As such, there will always be questions regarding if he could have bested his predecessor in a fight. Whilst many feel that stylistically, ‘Olives’ brings something very different to the table, Khabib is a different animal.
Charles Oliveira of Brazil reacts as UFC President Dana White places the UFC lightweight championship belt around his waist after defeating Michael Chandler at Toyota Center on May 15, 2021, in Houston, Texas. (Credits: Getty Images)
Khabib barely showed any signs of weakness during his UFC career. With a perfect 29-0 record of dominant victories over the division, Khabib achieved a nearly unprecedented level of mythology in the sport and one that will be hard to overcome. On the other hand, Oliveira had a very shaky 9-7 start to his UFC career.
As such, it cannot be determined simply by way of records who would win in a fight. Rather, Oliveira will now have to clean out the division of names like McGregor, Poirier, Gaethje, and Dariush to truly make his mark. Eventually, a final test against Khabib’s successor Islam Makhachev will likely settle the debate.
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