Sonnen: I'm not sure Makhachev is now the favorite to fight Oliveira

Mixed martial arts veteran and analyst Chael Sonnen doubts that Islam Makhachev will be a favorite among bookmakers in a potential fight with Charles Oliveira. According to Sonnen, the Brazilian's early victory over Justin Gati could seriously affect the odds.

“If Islam got this opportunity and went to the title fight with Oliveira, I would be interested to see the odds for this fight. For example, a couple of weeks ago, I would have confidently stated that Islam is the favorite, the only question is how much.

However, now I am not sure that he is the favorite after Oliveira's performance in the last fight. It is clear that the quotes do not affect the fight itself, but our expectation of this fight is now on a different level, ”Sonnen said on his podcast.

Recall that Oliveira failed the weigh-in before the fight with Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 and lost his belt. The victory over the American made him the main contender for the vacant title.