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Charles Oliveira explains why he ranks above Khabib and Islam
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- Charles Oliveira explains why he ranks above Khabib and Islam
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Charles Oliveira has shared why he believes he's the greatest lightweight in UFC history.
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired in 2020 with a perfect 29-0 record, widely considered the top 155lb fighter of his time.
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Since then, Islam Makhachev has made a case of his own, setting a new UFC record for lightweight title defenses with four and joining the conversation as one of the division's all-time greats.
Charles Oliveira says his resume stands out among the UFC's top lightweights
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
Speaking ahead of UFC 326, Charles Oliveira was asked how his career achievements stack up against two other lightweight legends.
Oliveira is set to take on Max Holloway for the BMF title in Las Vegas this Saturday.
"Each and every one of us has their moments and their eras," he said via a translator to Paramount.
"You talk about Khabib, who basically just stepped away from the game undefeated. Islam is making history as a two-weight champion, but when you look at the resume, the names, the wins, the records, and what I've been through, I believe my resume is the best."
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Charles Oliveira's record at lightweight is impressive
Charles Oliveira has spent much of his UFC career competing in the featherweight division. Still, he's fought 24 times at lightweight, where he's found his greatest success.
Heading into UFC 326, the 36-year-old holds a 155lb record of 17 wins, six losses, and one no contest.
Oliveira also put together an impressive streak of eleven straight wins during that time. That run took him all the way to championship gold and included a successful title defence.
While it's clear Oliveira ranks among the top lightweights ever, calling him the best is a stretch.
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Khabib Nurmagomedov may not have stuck around as long but was flawless throughout his career. Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev has looked unstoppable since an early knockout loss in his second UFC fight.
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