Here’s What BJ Penn Thinks Of Charles Oliveira

Former UFC champion, BJ Penn, says that Charles Oliveira is the one guy who could create some problems for a former lightweight king, Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Oliveira became the next champion after Nurmagomedov retired, but he is one of the few contenders who did not suffer defeat against Nurmagomedov. Every top contender, except Oliveira, has gone head-to-head in a failed attempt, including Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier.

But Oliveira managed and defeated Poirier in a spectacular way, dominated against a wrestler like Kevin Lee and outwrestled Tony Ferguson who is famous for his aggressive jiu-jitsu.

“I think he is unbelievable,” Penn said with a laugh. “One of the very best for sure. He’s a true finisher and extremely well rounded in all facets of the game.”

When asked if he felt Oliveira might break his and Nurmagomedov’s record for most UFC lightweight championship defenses (3), Penn said:

“Absolutely. If anyone out there could do it my money is on Charles, for sure. I remember when he submitted Kevin Lee. Right then and there I was like ‘this is the one guy who could beat Khabib’. Then he went on to dominate Tony Ferguson, who is such a good fighter in his own right, yeah, he’s just super impressive.”

“Where are his holes? You take him down and you’re in a world of trouble. On the feet he can knock you out cold. I am not guaranteeing he would have beat Khabib, but I certainly wouldn’t have bet against him either.”