Add Russian cage warrior Islam Mackhachev to the people wanting to challenge Brazilian Charles Oliveira for the UFC 155-pound title.
Speaking to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, the 30-year-old lightweight said that Oliveira’s next opponent for the title is not even up for debate saying that his current 10-fight winning streak should speak volumes.
It can be recalled that Oliveira was stripped of his lightweight title after failing to make weight against Justin Gaethje earlier this month at UFC 274. However, the Brazilian managed to put up a strong performance against Gaethje by submitting the latter to book a title fight.
“We don’t have a champion. Charles is a contender. That’s why it’s going to be for the title. I deserve it. I have a 10-fight win streak. [Oliveira] said I don’t deserve this, but he’s asking about Nate Diaz and Conor,” said Mackhachev who currently holds an impressive 22-1 (win-loss) record.
However, Mackhachev may have to wait a bit longer before he sees Oliveira with President Dana White still pushing to rebook his match with Beneil Dariush, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury.