LAS VEGAS – Not many, if any, are chomping at the bit to fight Umar Nurmagomedov – besides “Lok Dog,” that is.
Following his early Knockout of the Year contender at UFC Fight Night 238, Vinicius Oliveira officially made it known his hand is raised for one of the more unpopular matchups in the division.
“I would like to (fight) against Umar Nurmagomedov,” Oliveira (20-3 MMA, 1-0 UFC) told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “… I’m sure if I fight against Umar Nurmagomedov, it will be an easy fight for me because he just has wrestling. He would be able to put me on the ground, but I’ve worked so hard on my defense.”
Nurmagomedov also competed Saturday, as he defeated newcomer Bekzat Almakhan by unanimous decision. Oliveira spoke as the fight was unfolding and didn’t seem impressed as it progressed.
“I’m almost sure I’d be able to defeat this guy in the first round, because my mistake today was only my takedown defense,” Oliveira said. “Now, I go back to the gym and I train so hard so it doesn’t happen again.”
Regardless of what happens from here, “Lok Dog” has his tape etched in the eternal UFC highlight reel. His flying knee knockout of fellow newcomer Bernardo Sopai (11-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) was instantly praised by some as one of the best of its kind in promotion history.
Biased, sure, Oliveira agrees.
“I totally agree,” Oliveira said. “This knockout flying knee was amazing. I never seen it before. It would be a mark on the history of the UFC. My debut in the UFC was amazing. It will be a mark for a long time. All people will be talking about the knockout. So when some people are talking about the flying knee knockouts, the people will remember my name: ‘Lok Dog.’”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 238.