Thiago Moises: UFC on ESPN 26 'chess match' with Islam Makhachev a great opportunity

Thiago Moises sees double the incentive in his first UFC headliner.

Moises (15-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) meets Islam Makhachev (19-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) on Saturday in the main event of UFC on ESPN 26 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

The Brazilian not only plans on cracking the top 10 lightweight rankings with a win, but also stealing the shine of one of the most highly touted prospects.

“This fight against Islam Makhachev is a great opportunity for me to break into the top 10,” Moises told MMA Junkie. “I’m coming off three great wins in a row. They weren’t just wins, but wins over excellent fighters in our weight class – Michael Johnson, Bobby Green, and Alexander Hernandez. A win over Islam will extend my UFC winning streak to four, and it will bring me up to the top nine or even top eight. I’ll be in the mix to sooner or later get a title shot. The hype around Islam, including his association with Khabib Nurmagomedov, will only contribute to that.”

He continued, “I’m only focused on Islam right now. It’s a great challenge in itself. I feel that with this win, I’ll be only a few fights away from a title shot.”

Makhachev has won his past seven in a row, using his ever-improving striking and high-level grappling to run right through opponents. While Moises is wary of Makhachev’s threats, he thinks he brings an equally well rounded game to the table.

“Islam is a very complete opponent. He has good striking and good ground skills,” Moises said. “Sambo and wrestling are his strong suits. But I’m also very complete in striking, takedowns and jiu-jitsu. I believe striking and jiu-jitsu are my advantages. I believe our bout will be a chess match. Whoever blinks, or moves the wrong piece, will pay the price.”

He continued, “I know Islam will be as well trained as I am. Without a doubt, ours is a fight worthy of the main event. We’ll put on a show for all MMA fans.”