5 reasons why Charles Oliveira's invitation to Islam Makhachev to grapple at UFC 280 could be a mistake

Charles Oliveira at UFC 274: Oliveira vs. Gaethje

Charles Oliveira will finally cross swords with Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 in a matchup many have been hotly anticipating since the Brazilian's ascension to the lightweight throne. While 'do Bronx' was stripped of his UFC lightweight title following a mishap at the UFC 274 weigh-ins, many still regard him as the reigning lightweight champion.

His UFC 280 matchup with Islam Makhachev is being looked at by many as Oliveira's third title-defense. Prior to the bout's announcement, the Brazilian actively chased a more lucrative fight with former lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor to the dismay of many MMA purists who felt the Irishman was undeserving of a title fight after losing his last two bouts against Dustin 'The Diamond' Poirier.

Accusations of Oliveira supposedly ducking Makhachev became rampant, ultimately drawing the ire of 'do Bronx.' Needled by the disrespect he has been shown, Charles Oliveira named himself the lightweight division's problem before dismissing all talk of ducking. The Brazilian went so far as to propose starting the fight with Makhachev on the ground to prove his grappling superiority against Makhachev, who is widely hailed as the second-coming of Khabib Nurmagomedov.

However, as skilled as Oliveira is on the ground, this list details the five reasons why it isn't advisable for him to grapple with the Russian.

#5. Charles Oliveira may struggle against Makhachev's dexterity with his legs

Before Charles Oliveira was scheduled to face Islam Makhachev, the dream matchup in the lightweight division was between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson. Much of the intrigue involving the matchup revolved around the grappling exchanges that would ensue. However, that matchup would've likely been a lopsided grappling affair in Nurmagomedov's favor for the same reason Oliveira would be ill-advised to facilitate Makhachev's grappling.

Grappling FTW 👌…these Russians are some GNARLY maulers. 👀🐻🇷🇺 @MAKHACHEVMMA —9 straight. ✅ 🤼 That is one deeeeeep #kimura 🐍 https://t.co/XB4SkE5nEE

Makhachev, like Nurmagomedov, is highly proficient at neutralizing his opponents on the ground. Specifically, he wraps his legs around his opponent's, triangling them and lifting their ankles off the mat. This makes it impossible for his opponents to stand back up as they're unable to plant their feet on the mat and push themselves up. This was on clear display when Khabib fought Conor McGregor at UFC 229.

Additionally, trapping an opponent's legs prevents them from threatening almost any submissions or sweeps. Guillotine chokes, anaconda chokes, armbars, etc., all require the use of one's legs for positioning and leverage. If Oliveira's legs are being constantly triangled, he will be unable to reliably threaten any of his submissions.