'Lion walks with lions' - Charles Oliveira makes an entrance ahead of UFC 280 title clash

Brazilian takes on Islam Makhachev in Abu Dhabi on October 22 for the vacant lightweight belt

Charles Oliveira celebrates after his submission victory over Justin Gaethje in their lightweight championship bout at UFC 274 at Footprint Center on May 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty

Charles Oliveira celebrates after his submission victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. AFP

Charles Oliveira has his arm raised in victory after beating Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. Getty

Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje fight during their lightweight bout at UFC 274. Reuters

Charles Oliveira applies a hold for the submission victory against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. Reuters

Charles Oliveira applies a hold against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. Reuters

Charles Oliveira throws a punch at Justin Gaethje during their fight at UFC 274. Reuters

Rose Namajunas kicks Carla Esparza in their women’s strawweight championship bout at UFC 274. Getty

Rose Namajunas throws a right on Carla Esparza in their women’s strawweight championship bout at UFC 274. Getty

Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza fight in their women’s strawweight championship bout at UFC 274. Getty

Carla Esparza celebrates after her victory over Rose Namajunas at UFC 274. Getty

Carla Esparza reacts to her championship victory against Rose Namajunas at UFC 274. Reuters

Michael Chandler is declared the winner by knockout against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. Reuters

Michael Chandler celebrates his knockout victory against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. Reuters

Michael Chandler fights against Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. Reuters

Michael Chandler kicks Tony Ferguson for the knockout at UFC 274. Reuters

As far as entrance walks go, this can be categorised as rather fierce.

Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira took time out from training for next week’s headline title clash at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi by going for an, apparently, casual stroll with a lion.

The Brazilian, who takes on Islam Makhachev at Etihad Arena on October 22 for the lightweight belt he vacated in May, posted pictures and videos on his Instagram account on Wednesday night showing him walking, petting and playing in the Emirates with one of nature’s greatest predators.

“Lion walks with lions, who doesn’t like it respect my story,” read the accompanying caption.

Riding an 11-fight win streak, Oliveira is seeking next week to reclaim his undisputed place at the top of the lightweight division. In Makhachev, he faces a fighter with 10 wins on the bounce, and unbeaten only once in his professional MMA career (22-1). Oliveira's pro MMA career reads 33-8.

The title fight is one of two championship bouts at UFC 280, with Aljamain Sterling defending his bantamweight crown against former champion TJ Dillashaw. The event, the UFC's return to the capital for the first time since October last year, forms part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.