The Fate Of Lightweight: Islam vs Charles
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Boy, after seeing the presser..I have to say I am very excited to write this article!
Plenty of fans had already felt this way, however, and hopefully, after today, they’re more amped up for this division-defining title match.
Unlike my previous articles, I will not be predicting the matchup as it defeats the original purpose; to help emphasize not only how big of a match this is set to be, but also to clarify some of the consequences of the end results— both good and bad.
Charles Oliviera. Do Bronx himself.
To try to put just how much the previous champion has improved and struggled to position himself where he is now would be an injustice on my part but I will try to do so to the best of my abilities.
Though detractors use his multiple losses against him, Oliviera amassed a decent win streak at the start of career, winning fourteen matches in a row.
However, despite accruing several victories by finish, he would soon find himself overwhelmed in two divisions by tough talent. He would lose to Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone before making the jump to featherweight, a move that would ultimately harm him.
However, despite several weight problems at the lower division and the tough matchups he faced, he would make the most of his return to lightweight.
After losing to Paul Felder, he would begin his best streak which would inevitably lead him to a title fight with Michael Chandler.
A tough first round which saw a very hurt Charles dropped multiple times would lead to one of the best comebacks in the UFC.
As if possessed, Charles would land a perfect lead hook to drop Chandler. After that, it was like a shark smelling blood, chasing Iron Mike down to punish him with shots until the referee would stop it.
And just like that, Charles was reborn. No longer the “quitter” fans made him out to be. No, he was now champion.
And despite two more challengers who fans believed would expose him, he would ultimately continue his streak.
However, in his last fight, disaster struck. Charles was overweight by half a pound, and despite his best efforts to make championship weight, he would fail, the scales claiming his belt before any challenger could.
This has not deterred the former title holder, however, as he believes he has the answers to beat Islam Makachev, and that the champion already has a name.
Islam Makachev.
Despite a near perfect record, Islam Makachev failed to reach the eyes of many new viewers of the sport. However, after the retirement of his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam took the opportunity to quickly polarize himself as a threat in the division.
A suffocating style of wrestling imbued with several tricks and crafts to keep him one step ahead of the division.
He likes to take fighters down and break them, whether that means smashing them with shots from the top, or by twisting their limbs until something feels broken.
Either way, he has shown that being flashy is nothing compared to being dominant.
Many fans believe that Islam does not deserve this title fight due to the level of opponents he faced.
However, many fail to see why this matchup is an important part of the division.
This is no longer the simple “Tony vs Khabib” fight that got away revisited.
It’s not just BJJ vs Sambo/Wrestling.
It’s not just Brazil vs Dagestan.
At the end of the day, this is a fight that defines the division as a whole.
Islam brings forth the chance to remind the world of the excellence imparted by his uncle. A chance to step out of the shadows that fans use to define him. And ultimately force the division to recognize his talent.
This is just as huge of a moment for Charles too. This gives him the chance to essentially rewrite history. From quitter to all-time great. A two time champion with a win over a feared opponent. An opportunity to cement his legacy, here and now.
In the end, despite what you might read on my social media, I have no stake in this fight. I don’t know who will win this legendary matchup, nor do I care.
Because in the end, history will be defined on Saturday night, and missing it live is not an option.
Another absolute beauty of an article here from Mr. Kevin himself. Well written and articulated. I have a new found excitement for this fight as well as a percolation of enjoyment for the affair. Hats off to you sir!
As always, it’s a pleasure to receive your comments, Smoke!