Antecedent to losing out on the UFC lightweight championship against Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira was a force to be reckoned with. The former UFC lightweight champion had dismantled the top of the food chain in the shark tank of a weight class, i.e. the 155lbs division.
He accumulated victories over the likes of Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Justin Gaethje enroute to cementing his legacy as an all-time great. However, the one battle he was unable to claim during his reign as king of the lightweights, was against UFC icon, Conor McGregor.
Although, the ‘Notorious’ one didn’t lose sight of Oliveira as well, who claimed that he would ‘smoke’ him, along with football superstar Neymar Jr. in a contest earlier this year.
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Conor McGregor once vowed to ‘smoke’ Charles Oliveira and Neymar
Conor McGregor once upon a time made a name for himself through his beguiling callouts of future opponents.
The ‘Notorious’ one is conceivably the most complete package for a martial artist, in terms of fighting ability as well as promotional responsibilities. McGregor does it all.
The former two-weight world champion has been keeping a close eye on the 155lbs and 170lbs divisions since the brutal leg injury sustained by the Irishman that rendered him unable to compete in the octagon.
Earlier this year, Conor McGregor made a concise statement describing his intentions against ‘Do Bronx’ and fellow countryman and footballing superstar Neymar Jr.
The 34-year-old took to his ‘Instagram story’ regarding a post made by Oliveria, in which the Irishman stated-
“Smoke the two of these”
Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time that McGregor has picked a quarrel with the Brazilians. In retrospect, his attitude and personality towards Jose Aldo should’ve been indicative, that the 34-year-old is limited to no one.
Regrettably, that is one fight that we have been unfortunate to miss out on, given the gravity of McGregor’s injury which has kept him out of action for more than a year now.
Conor McGregor vs Charles Oliveira!
Conor McGregor, for all his strengths, most certainly possesses significant flaws as well, when observing his martial arts skillset. As extensive and magnificent as his striking is, the ‘Notorious’ one’s grappling and wrestling is subpar. That is an accurate assessment.
If McGregor was to ever square up against Oliviera, he would have to work on his grappling, while ensuring that his takedown defense is stellar. Oliveira on the other hand will approach the contest the same way he did all his previous opponents.
He will take a step back, and will face the arduous challenge in front of him with his arms wide open. This is due to the fact that he will know beforMcehand that no striker would chase him to the ground, given his superlative Jiu-Jitsu skills.
As unlikely as it may seem, if the bout does indeed come to fruition, it’s extremely difficult to see the Irishman emerge victorious via any means.
