Islam Makhachev expects Charles Oliveira to retain his lightweight crown when he defends the belt against Justin Gaethje in the UFC 274 headliner this May.
“I think it’s going to be a good fight because those guys are high level,” Makhachev said at the UFC Fight Night 202 post-fight press conference. “Charles improved his striking game and he have more than Justin in the ground game. I think they going to strike a little bit, then Charles is going to take him down, take his back and finish him there.