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Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, might already have his upcoming UFC match arranged.
In actuality, Charles Oliveira revealed that he merely had a rough session during his bout in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in October. He has set his sight on the potential meeting division champion Islam Makhachev in the future, even before the conclusion of this year.
Charles Oliveira had a moment of his life when he defeated Michael Chandler for UFC lightweight title after UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov vacated the title after announcing his retirement. Since then he had been a dominant force against division notable names Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje.
Following his controversial weight miss at UFC 274, Oliveira was stripped of his gold strap but still fought for his chance to become a title contender. He is currently #1 ranked in the lightweight division. In his last outing, Charles Oliveira lost the vacant title fight against Makhachev in the second round of UFC 280 on "Fight Island" in October, snapping his division-best 12-fight winning streak.
Oliveira has not yet been scheduled for a comeback to the Octagon but has been associated with a title eliminator showdown against the burgeoning Beneil Dariush in his future Octagon stroll and has hinted at a possible return to competitive action as early as April or May of this year.
"Do Bronx" intends to have 2 fights in the year 2023. Hopefully, the second of those bouts will take place on Brazilian land.
“We have to aim high,” Oliveira said. “Maybe fight in the United States in May and then come back to fighting in Brazil by the end of the year — if it’s in Sao Paulo, even better —, and who knows, maybe fight for the belt again. That would be great.”
When questioned about a potential rematch with Islam Makhachev, Oliveira stated that nothing in his camp will change for a future fight with the Dagestani champion.
“With all due respect, I had 10 minutes off on a bad night,” Oliveira said. “I wouldn’t change anything to fight Islam Makhachev. This fight will happen again. Be sure of that, this fight will happen. I’ll fight in April or May, no matter who that is, and God will bless me with a win, and I’ll have my rematch with Islam Makhachev by the end of the year.”
"Do Bronx" said in the Q&A that he was given the option to accept or decline a slot on the UFC 283 card in Rio de Janeiro but didn’t disclose a name recommended by the UFC.
“There’s no point coming in thirsty and not thinking with the head, to think with the heart,” Oliveira said. “If I were to think with my heart I would definitely be part of this card, I was offered a fight, and I thought quite a lot about it, but the timing is fighting in May and maybe fight for the title in Sao Paulo by the end of the year. Let’s make it happen.”
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