Michael Bisping believes Conor McGregor can knock out Charles Oliveira.

Patrick Akuagwu

March 9, 2022

The UFC lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, will defend his title against former interim champion Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, which will take place later this year in Brazil. However, the seemingly innocuous title image becomes extremely murky after that. Islam Makhachev appeared to be the front-runner for the next title shot after defeating Bobby Green in February. However, last week, UFC president Dana White announced that Makhachev would have to fight again to earn a shot at the title, potentially paving the way for a shot at Conor McGregor’s belt later this year. A UFC Hall of Famer, Michael Bisping believes it makes perfect sense despite the unexpected turn of events.

Michael Bisping believes that the Irishman can win the World Championship for the third time in a row.

At UFC 274 in Dallas, Texas, lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (32-8) will defend his title against Justin Gaethje in May 2022, the opponent for his next fight has yet to be determined. Originally scheduled to face Oliveira, Dana White has informed Makhachev that he must first win another fight before claiming a title shot. Given the UFC president’s reversal, the door is now open for a fight between McGregor and Oliveira to take place. In contrast to many other observers, Michael Bisping believes that this fight makes a lot of sense.

“Of course, it’s a bit of a drastic decision, but if you were in Dana’s place, you would have done the same thing, right? Bisping said on Joe Rogan’s podcast. “We would all have done the same thing. McGregor is no longer on top; it is an undeniable reality. He can’t be on top forever.”

McGregor’s recent results suggest that his professional career is on the decline. Except for his fight against Donald Cerrone in 2020, the Irishman has not won a fight since 2016 . In addition, Dustin Poirier recently defeated him in the ring twice (by KO, then TKO). Nevertheless, despite these setbacks, Michael Bisping remains confident in McGregor’s ability to defeat Oliveira in the UFC.

“What do you think? Let me tell you something. If you had to pit him against one of the top five players in the world, I’d pick Oliveira. Bisping helped to clarify the situation.” Oliveira takes a lot of punishment, but McGregor still has a lot of punching power. “He’s quick, and he knows how to get close to Oliveira… In my opinion, Conor could return and defeat Oliveira to reclaim his title as champion. To be completely honest, I’d have a hard time with that. However, it is a possibility. He still possesses a great deal of power and speed in his left hand.”

McGregor may as well make the most of the situation. Meanwhile, “Notorious” has nearly fully recovered from his injury and is already making noise about his return, and the UFC lightweight champion has expressed interest in competing in the fight. If Oliveira successfully defends his title against Gaethje, McGregor may face him in late summer or early fall. McGregor hasn’t fought for a title in nearly four years, and it’s been over six years since he last won one. While Bisping admits he is not the same fighter he once was, the fact that the fight continues to haunt him is a testament to McGregor’s love for the sport.

“However, that’s all, change?. You can say what you want, and of course, he will say it, and we all say it. “I’m still the same guy; I’m still the same fighter.” No, fuck, you’re not. No, you are not. His motivation to do this is gone. You’re doing it now , and listen; you have to respect this about him: He loves the fighting game. I appreciate that about him. I really do. The guy can buy whatever he wants, and he’s buying yachts and this and that, and God bless him. But you can’t buy the UFC world championship. That’s the one thing you can’t buy, so he has no choice but to go and fight for it, and he keeps choosing to do that, so you have to respect that.

According to Dana White’s recent statements, this fight could very well become a reality.

The Irishman is expected to return to training soon, and Oliveira has expressed interest in a rematch with the Irishman. If the latter wins his fight against Gaethje, the two men could meet later this summer or later this fall.

What are your thoughts on Charles Oliveira’s chances of defeating McGregor? Will Dana agree to the match before we even start arguing about who is stronger?

Share your opinion in the comment section.