Islam Makhachev has provided a quick rundown of how he’s going to defeat Charles Oliveira and become UFC champion in Abu Dhabi next month – and he believes he needs only three rounds to get the job done.
The Dagestani, who rides a 10-fight win streak, meets Oliveira in the headline bout at UFC 280 at Etihad Arena on October 22, when the pair battle for the vacant lightweight crown.
Oliveira, winner of his past 11 UFC bouts, is the division’s most recent champion but had to vacate the belt in May when he missed weight before his slated defence against Justin Gaethje.
The Brazilian, 32, sits still at the top of the lightweight rankings, with Makhachev, 30, at No 4. That said, Makhachev is viewed by many as favourite going into his first title fight in Abu Dhabi — he has competed twice already in the capital — something that appears to sit quite comfortably with him.
On Wednesday night, Makhachev’s Twitter account responded to a promo for UFC 280 with: “First round warm-up, second round drag him to deep water, third round get business done, Inshallah. Can’t wait for Oct 22.”
Oliveira-Makhachev is one of two title fights at UFC 280, with bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling taking on former belt-holder TJ Dillashaw. The card, which thus far has 10 fights officially announced by the UFC, also features a clash between standout bantamweights Petr Yan and Sean O’ Malley.
UFC 280, the promotion’s return to the emirate for the first time since last October, is part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.
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• The National announces Future of News journalism competition
• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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• Could the UAE drive India's economy?
• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it
• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture
• The National announces Future of News journalism competition
• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come
• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain
• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister
• Could the UAE drive India's economy?
• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it
• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture
• The National announces Future of News journalism competition
• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come
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Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
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