Oliveira Calls For Makhachev Rematch – ‘I’m Coming After This Belt’
Charles Oliveira wants a rematch with Islam Makhachev to avenge his defeat to the UFC Lightweight Champion.
Oliveira is coming off a win against Michael Chandler at UFC 309. That was the perfect response following his loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300. However, he has still longed to avenge the defeat to Makhachev. Oliveira lost a vacant lightweight title bout at UFC 280 in 2022, as Islam would dominate the divison. However, he may now have the chance to get another crack at the title.
Ilia Topuria’s desire to face Islam may not result in an immediate title shot since he has not had a lightweight fight. Bouts against Justin Gaetheje, Dustin Poirier or Paddy Pimblett may be called for. If that is the case, Oliveira has positioned himself in a good position. He has named UFC 317 as a possible fight date, which would take place during International Fight Week.
Oliveira Wants Islam
“I wanna fight on International Fight Week. Makhachev wants it too. Dana, Sean Shelby, Hunter, let’s make it happen. I really want this fight. I’m coming after this belt. I want to become champion again, you know? I’ll write this story one more time. UFC, let’s make it happen. This is the fight everybody wants to see. I’m ready.
“Makhachev is saying he wants this fight, and it will definitely be a great war. [International] Fight Week, is that the fight you want? That’s the fight you’ll get. Dana, UFC, Sean, Hunter, let’s make it happen. Call me. “UFC and MMA have a lot of guys that talk too much. I can talk about UFC history. I’ll complete 15 years here. Record of bonuses, of submissions. A guy that breaks records? That’s me,” Oliveira said
If that fight does not happen, Charles could face Topuria for the right to face Islam. There is still uncertainty over Islam’s future at lightweight amid continual links with a move up. Makhachev has said that he wants to become a two-weight world champion before he retires from the sport.
Oliveira On Topuria
He has also dismissed a fight against Topuria, stressing that he has given ‘smaller fighters’ chances. That was in reference to beating Alexander Volkanovski on two occasions. Oliveira, though, does not see Topuria as a big name. He feels the Islam fight will do more for him. However, Ilia was not impressed.
“Topuria is a very tough guy, and he deserves all the respect in the world, but right now, I don’t see it as a big fight… If I’m looking for a title, well, I have to fight Makhachev in order to win and become champion again,” Oliveira said
“Charles, it’s better if you stay quiet. You have 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission and 1 by decision. You are the contender, while I am the champion, the father of the entire division. I haven’t come here to ask [for] anything. Here, I am the one in charge,” Topuria replied
Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.
