Chiesa named the optimal opponent for Makhachev

American mixed martial arts veteran Michael Chiesa shared his thoughts on the difficult situation at the top of the UFC lightweight division.

“Charles Oliveira received a cut and refused to fight with Makhachev, but since then many fighters have intervened in the title race. With the stakes so high, you can't expect UFC brass to keep Justin Gaethje, who just won the BMF title, waiting. They said the BMF title gives him a ticket to a title shot after the Oliveira-Islam rematch.

However, we saw what happened: Charles dropped out and Volkanovski entered the game. I think Oliveira should go to the end of the line. When I say this, I mean that he should fight Tsarukyan. Makhachev will fight with Gaethje, and Oliveira will meet with Tsarukyan on the same card. It makes sense,” Chiesa was quoted as saying by MMA Mania.