Khabib Nurmagomedov has an inkling Islam Makhachev , not Charles Oliveira , will be facing Beneil Dariush for the vacant lightweight title. Makhachev (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) is scheduled to face Oliveira (33-8 MMA, 21-8 UFC) in the UFC 280 main event on Oct. 22 at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Dariush (21-4-1 MMA, 15-4-1 UFC) fights Mateusz Gamrot (21-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) on the same card in a pivotal lightweight clash. But Nurmagomedov thinks former lightweight champion Oliveira won’t show up and Dariush will step in against his protegee instead.
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