KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has tipped rising UFC star Islam Makhachev to be a better fighter than him and says he wants his pal to fight Charles Oliveira.
The 29-0 undefeated UFC legend reckons Makhachev could become the "greatest lightweight ever".
But to do so, he must beat Oliveira and Khabib has asked the UFC to give his protégé the chance.
Speaking to TMZ on Makhachev's potential to be the best lightweight EVER, Khabib said: "Definitely, it's possible. You know, right now it's like this is a legacy fight for Islam.
"Why I really want him to fight vs. Charles Oliveira, because he had 11 win streak and UFC never make like this fight.
"11 win streak vs. 10 win streak. It's supposed to be me versus Tony [Ferguson].
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"Ok, it never happened. Now we have Islam vs. Charles. Let these guys fight."
Khabib continued: "If Islam beat Charles and then he beats new blood like from young generation, we have a lot of young fighters in lightweight division ranking.
"Beneil [Dariush], Islam beat Charles, Islam beat three more fighters, he can become the greatest lightweight ever.
"He has this potential. He's only 30 years old, but UFC has to give him chance."
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33-8 Oliveira lost the lightweight belt on the scales the day before he fought Justin Gaethje.
Nonetheless, the submission specialist choked out fan favourite Gaethje to record his 11th win on the bounce.
Makhachev has racked up 10 wins in a row and has been unstoppable since his one and only professional loss back in 2015.
He is the No4 ranked UFC lightweight having beaten the likes of Dan Hooker and Drew Dober.
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