John Kavanagh doesn’t think anyone should be discrediting UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira anymore.
In his first title defense, Oliveira submitted Dustin Poirier in this past Saturday’s UFC 269 main event, rallying once again to score the finish.
Oliveira (32-8 MMA, 20-8 UFC) has been questioned about his toughness by the likes of Justin Gaethje and others, but Kavanagh, Conor McGregor’s head coach, thinks it’s about time people put respect on the champ’s name.
“What is he now? Ten wins in a row, most of them being finishes,” Kavanagh told MMA Junkie. “His standup is getting sharp now. He’s got wrestling. He knocked out Chandler then submitted Dustin. If anybody’s doubting Charles at this stage, they got to check themselves. That guy is legitimate, he’s the world champion, he’s a great fighter, and who knows, maybe we meet him down the road.”
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) already has expressed interest in challenging Oliveira for the title, sending the Brazilian a message after his win over Poirier.
McGregor is coming off back-to-back stoppage losses to Poirier and despite UFC president Dana White declaring Gaethje the No. 1 contender, the Irish superstar has called his shot for the title regardless. Kavanagh gave an update on McGregor’s leg injury, and he expects him to return to competition by next summer.
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