Charles Oliveira is one of many ultimate combat championships who have been pursuing a potentially lucrative battle with Conor McGregor over the years.
But these days, “Do Bronx” doesn’t really want the 36-year-old Irishman to return to the octagon in any way. McGregor has not fought since July 2021. The scheduled return with Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last June was discarded in the week of the fight when “Notorious” withdrew from the event due to a broken toe. McGregor continues to make headlines outside his cage for a meeting with President Donald Trump on St. Patrick’s Day, but there was no word on bookings for a potential fight.
“To be honest, I don’t know why people are still talking about Conor McGregor. He did everything he wants to do in sports. Now he’s choosing to live his life like he’s living his life.”
“We were waiting for him to come back. Michael Chandler has been waiting for about two years, and he hasn’t appeared. I think fans should forget that Conor McGregor will be back. He’s not going to fight again.”
Former 155 pound champion Oliveira thinks he has many interesting options for the look of the next Octagon, even if McGregor isn’t one of them. After beating Chandler via unanimous decision on his recent outing at UFC 309, the Brazilian has set his sights on another run at Lightweight Gold.
“I was talking about a fight with Max Holloway for the BMF and it seems he’s going to fight Dustin Poirier. To be honest, I want to fight for the title. I think I deserve it,” Oliveira said. “[Islam] Makhachev will not fight for a while. That’s why the idea of BMF came into view. I just want to fight for the title, but I’m waiting for a call now. ”
Oliveira had the opportunity to win a title shot in the UFC 300, but he was recognized as a match for the No. 1 contender, dropping a majority decision to Arman Tsaruyan. The Emperor’s opportunity fell to the roadside when he retreated from the proposed match against Makhachev at UFC 311. At the moment, Makhachev does not have a clear No. 1 candidate.
“The department is very complicated,” Oliveira said. “I think I deserve to be in the next line, but I work for Zufa. They’re talking about Dustin Poirier, Justin Gesche and Ilia Topria. I’m just waiting for a call. I don’t know who’ll be coming next, I don’t know.”
Topria, who recently opened his featherweight belt, is an interesting addition to the lightweight division. Oliveira is confident in his chances for Georgian Spagnado.
“I fight people who tell me to fight. I’m not just looking up to Ilia Topria, but it’s lightweight,” he said. “This is the toughest division you’ve ever seen and I have the strength to hand. I believe in jiu-jitsu, but I think I can knock Ilia Topria out.”
