‘I wouldn't be surprised if…’ - Josh Thomson opens up on Islam Makhachev facing Charles Oliveira at UFC 294

Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev locked horns with each other at UFC 280. Now, a rematch of that bout is all set to take place at UFC 294 in October 2023. But, ahead of that mega event, Makhachev's former teammate, Josh Thomson claimed that Charles could pull himself out of the fight.

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Thomson is a former Strikeforce champion and UFC fighter. He trained with Makhachev for a considerable time at the renowned American Kickboxing Academy. While hosting the MMA podcast alongside John McCarthy, he shared his views as Oliveira claimed that he might not be ready for any fight until November or December several weeks ago.

At UFC 280, Islam Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira by submission 

During a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast, he said that he would not be surprised if Charles got forced into the fight. Johnson said: “I wouldn't be surprised if Charles got forced into this fight by the UFC because Islam started calling out Leon , started calling out other fighters, and were like, 'Hey, you're making us look bad.' They said, 'Hey Charles, take this fight.' I think if Charles is not ready mentally, I could see Charles pulling out of the fight maybe two weeks before."    

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Recently, about Oliveira’s sudden change in his mindset, Islam Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez claimed that Oliveria might have realised that a fight in the champion’s backyard might not be easy. While talking to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie, he said: "It may be his only opportunity . Charles may go, 'You know what, I'm the champion and I want to prove it. So, I'm gonna come to your territory again. I lost my title to you , let me try to win my title from you .'"  At UFC 280, Islam Makhachev defeated Charles Oliveira by submission in the second round. The rematch is set to take place in Abu Dhabi.