Chael Sonnen explains why Islam Makhachev comfortably put away Charles Oliveira despite 'Do Bronx' seemingly being the more well-rounded fighter between them
Chael Sonnen argued that, in hindsight, Islam Makhachev submitting Charles Oliveira should not have been a big surprise.
Makhachev finally won the UFC lightweight title after making Oliveira tap out in the main event of UFC 280. Many fans were astounded by how easy Makhachev made it look, especially against someone as well-rounded as Oliveira.
But the way Sonnen saw it, Makhachev always had the upper hand as he's a better specialist than the former champion. During a recent episode of Beyond the Fight, Sonnen said:
"I was still surprised at people still talking about 'well-rounded' and who was more dynamic. I wouldn't need to see people fight to know that. I could go to their fight record on Sherdog. I can see the finishes by strikes, the finishes by TKO, and the finishes by submission of Charles and not see all of those things from Islam. But we also go through waves in the sport including day number one, where a specialist has an advantage."
Sonnen also said that people should have taken Makhachev's proclamations more seriously. The former three-time UFC title challenger added:
"Islam told everybody that will listen, 'I'm going to take him down. And when we go there I'm going to get on top. And when I do, he's not going to submit me.' I mean, Islam did tell us straight up what he was going to do. This is not a surprise."
Watch Chael Sonnen's breakdown of Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev:
Charles Oliveira vows to return '10 times stronger' after Islam Makhachev loss
Charles Oliveira reassured his supporters that he's going to bounce back from the devastating loss against Islam Makhachev. Speaking to Brazilian outlet Combate in the aftermath of UFC 280, the former lightweight champion said:
"There’s not much to say. It wasn’t my day. Islam Makhachev was better than me on the mat and on the feet. I haven’t had time to watch it yet. I asked the boys some things in the bathroom. He was better than me today. I have to give him credit and go back home. I know myself. I’ll come back 10 times stronger. I have a family and a huge team that will make that happen. We’ll take it back."
Oliveira also believes he's owed an immediate rematch, given he's done favors for the UFC in the past. However, Makhachev and his camp are already angling for a superfight against Alexander Volkanovski for his next fight.