Undefeated UFC lightweight contender Islam Makhachev continued his push for the next shot at the promotion's vacant 155-pound title.
Makhachev recently spoke with ESPN's Brett Okamokto and pushed back against former UFC lightweight champion, Charles Olveira's recent claims that Makhachev should fight fellow contender Beneil Dariush next before receiving a title shot.
"We don't have a champion," Makhachev said. "Charles is a contender. That's why it's going to be for the title. I deserve it. I have a 10-fight win streak. [Oliveira] said I don't deserve this, but he's asking about Nate Diaz and Conor [McGregor]. I think Charles is a No. 1 contender now. We don't have a champion because he don't make weight. He is not a professional. I'm going to beat Charles. And everybody is going to understand. Honestly, I believe I can finish this guy, and I really want to finish him in the grappling, in his area. I know I can do this."
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