Midnight Mania! Not Arrogant Khabib Believes Pressure Getting To Oliveira

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

It’s no secret that Charles Oliveira didn’t want to fight Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani wrestler has undoubtedly earned the next shot, but the Brazilian (sort of) champion instead chased the money fight vs. Conor McGregor. He also did not want to give Makhachev something of a home field advantage by fighting him in Abu Dhabi, but lo and behold, Oliveira vs. Makhachev is booked as the main event at UFC 280 on Oct. 22 in Dubai.

Recently, a fiery Oliveira explained his belief that a perceived arrogance in Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov — as well as the rest of their team and management — would be their downfall. While speaking at an Eagle FC event, Khabib denied any arrogance and explained that pressure is the cause of Oliveira’s lashing out.

“I think it’s silly to think we’re [Islam Makhachev and team] underestimating this fight,” Khabib explained (via SportsKeeda). “If we say we want to finish the fight early, I don’t see any arrogance in that… So what is not arrogant from his side? That he wants to beat Islam Makhachev?… I don’t see any kind of arrogance here. I simply think he’s starting to feel the pressure of the fight.”

In Khabib’s defense, the trash talk has been fairly mild from his side. At most, I can remember a promise that Makhachev would “ride Charles Oliveira like a horse” en route to an early finish. Next exactly crossing any major lines, right? Still, maybe the chip on Oliveira’s shoulder will pay off in the fight.

We’ll find out in October.

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