Former UFC champion compares Islam Makhachev to Charles Oliveira and slams the Brazilian: 'He's terrible'

Former UFC champion compares Islam makhachev a Charles of the Bronx and destroys the Brazilian. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC/Montage SUPER LUTAS

Former UFC champion, Luke Rockhold believe that Islam makhachev This exposes the gap between elite fighters. Within this context, Rockhold includes Charles of the Bronx, stating that the Brazilian "doesn't even come close" to the quality of the Dagestani Makhachev.

In a recent interview with 'The Casuals MMA', Luke Rockhold He spoke his mind about athletes who are truly experts in ground fighting. According to the former UFC champion, Charles of the Bronx it doesn't fit into that category when Islam makhachev It is brought into the conversation.

“Everyone thinks Charles (do Bronx) is good until Islam (Makhachev) gets on top of him. Charles (do Bronx) is terrible compared to really good ground fighting specialists. He (Charles) doesn't even come close. You only notice the difference between the essence of a guy like Islam (Makhachev) and that of a guy like Charles (do Bronx),” he said. Luke Rockhold no 'The Casuals MMA'.

Luke Rockhold believes Islam makhachev exposes the gap between elite grapplers 🔥

"Everyone thinks Charles Oliveira is good until Islam gets on top of him. Charles Oliveira sucks comparatively to really good grapplers. He's not even close. You just know the substance of a guy… pic.twitter.com/3RIYzVNPup

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 21, 2025

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Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev have already faced off at UFC 280., in October 2022. The Dagestani fighter emerged victorious via submission (arm triangle choke) in the second round.

Luke Rockhold's MMA numbers

Rockhold was the UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Luke Rockhold He was one of the American mixed martial arts fighters to become UFC champions. Luke also competed in Strikeforce, where he was the last middleweight champion before the organization merged with the UFC.

Rockhold competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship between May 2013 and August 2022, becoming the middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) against Chris Weidman, at event number 194, in December 2015.

With 16 wins and six losses in his professional MMA record, Rockhold has faced names like Ronaldo Souza, Vitor belfort, Michael Bisping e Lyoto Machida.