Oliveira: Khabib is a great champion, but my era has begun

UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira explained why he did not challenge the former title holder Khabib Nurmagomedov after defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 262.

“Many people told me to put on a T-shirt after the fight with words addressed to Khabib or say something about him. Khabib is a great champion, 29-0, he deserves respect all over the world. He came into this sport and dominated it. He swore at his father's grave that he would no longer fight, and if I had to challenge him, he would still not resume his career. Of course, everyone wants to see this fight. I would like to also, but I do not think that I am in his shadow.

"He said that he defeated everyone in the division, but he never fought me, so he cannot say that he defeated everyone. But he defeated everyone he fought with. However, the new lightweight champion is Charles Oliveira. The one who came to finish people. What Khabib has done so far has been amazing, but a new era has begun. The new legacy of Charles Oliveira," the Brazilian said in an interview to MMA Fighting.