Islam Makhachev insists he isn't fearful of Charles Oliveira's finishing ability.

The lightweight rivals will clash for the vacant 155lbs belt on October 22 in the main event of UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion, boasts a staggering 90 per cent finish-to-win ratio and is arguably the most feared lightweight since Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The Brazilian MMA fighter has stopped all but one of his last four opponents inside the distance, the last man to avoid being separated from consciousness by 'Do Bronx' being Tony Ferguson.

READ MORE: UFC 280: Date, Fight Card, Location, Tickets and more

Oliveira has since gone on to add Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje's names to his list of victims, the latter of whom he submitted in the second round back in May.

Why isn't Islam Makhachev scared of Charles Oliveira?

Islam Makhachev takes on Charles Oliveira on October 22

Islam Makhachev takes on Charles Oliveira on October 22

His performances have received praise from many fans and pundits alike as a result, including UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, who recently described his incredible achievement as "phenomenal."

However, Makhachev insists that it doesn't scare him one bit. Quite the opposite, in fact.

“His last three or four opponents, they knock him down and nobody goes to grappling,” he told The National. “Nobody tried to finish him there.

"Nobody tried to do some ground-and-pound. That’s why nobody from these opponents could stop him.

“But I’m not scared of his jiu-jitsu skills because I have good skills in Sambo and grappling and will give him a hard time in striking. That’s why I’m going to knock him down and try to finish him. Because this guy has most finishes in the UFC, my goal is I have to finish him. I’m going to take his record.”

READ MORE: UFC 280: Alexander Volkanovski confirmed as backup for Charles Oliveira vs Islam Makhachev

Makhachev also claims that Oliveira isn't "the biggest test" of his career despite his accomplishments.

“Charles is very dangerous,” he added. “He always finishes his opponent, and he’s dangerous in the striking and on the ground.

"But I believe in my skills. I’m ready for the fight standing up or on the ground – it doesn’t matter.

“I don’t think this is the biggest test [of my career]. Maybe I’ve beat some guy who has more skills. But right now, he’s the champion.

"And, right now, at this moment in his career, because he has a good win streak – he had many losses before and he finished all his opponents – he feels like nobody can stop him. But Oct. 22, I’m going to come to the cage and stop him there.”


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