Paddy Pimblett had no second thoughts about picking a winner in the Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev matchup, a contest Khabib Nurmagomedov was clamoring for a long time. The vacant lightweight championship bout will take place at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi on October 22. Former Brazilian champion, ‘Do Bronx’, and the Dagestan-born athlete, Makhachev, will square off against each other to continue their domination in the division.

The 27-year-old Liverpudlian star, Pimblett, will compete against ‘The Monkey King’ Jordan Leavitt in the upcoming UFC Fight Night card. Thus, he interacted with the media ahead of his bout. And when asked about the clash of the streaking lightweights at UFC 280, he spoke his mind.

Pimblett said, “I think Charles Oliveira wins. I think he gets a finish within 3. Simple, you know what I mean. They’re both unbelievable fighters. Islam is quality, but he hasn’t fought the caliber of opponent that Charles has fought.”

“I think Charles gives him so many tests that he hasn’t like he hasn’t been tested; Like he will against Charles… Yeah, Charles Oliveira all day.”

The former Cage Warriors champion (18-3) has done wonders in the UFC with his entertainment-filled work on the microphone. Besides, his performances have been a treat for fight fans.

Pimblett is an outspoken personality, and it was on display when he talked about the former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2021.

“He [Khabib] is the ‘Karen’ of the MMA world right now. He’s always complaining about stuff,” Pimblett said after Nurmagomedov made some comments about his appearance on Mike Tyson’s podcast.

Khabib Nurmagomedov wanted Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev in Brazil

‘The Eagle’ wanted the 155 lbs championship fight in Brazil. He wanted his protégé to show their discipline, Sambo, as the superior martial arts to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Also, there was a chilling video where Oliveira, who initially wanted to fight ‘The Notorious‘, shifted focus away from him to demand this matchup against Islam Makhachev. Although, he wanted to face Khabib Nurmagomedov when he gets the win over Makhachev at UFC 280. But that’s a far stretch for now.

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Though the bout on paper is for the vacant title, the promotion is treating ‘Do Bronx’ as a champion. Thus, at UFC 280, it would be the said-champion Charles Oliveira who would go to enemy territory virtually to defend his title.

What do you make of Paddy Pimblett’s prediction? Can Charles Oliveira submitting Islam Makhachev bring Khabib Nurmagomedov out of retirement? Share your views in the comments section below.

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