Charles Oliveira wants to make it clear that he only intends to move to welterweight for specific fights.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion Oliveira spoke to Sherdog ahead of UFC 301. Although he will not be competing in the event in Rio de Janeiro, he will be rooting for his compatriot and chasing down his teammate Elf Brenner. ‘De Bronx’ suffered a decision loss to Arman Tsarukian in his title fight at UFC 300, but says he’s ready to put his past behind him.
“I expected more from myself in the cage,” Oliveira said of the loss at UFC 300. “I think I had great moments in all three rounds. In fact, I think I won. [the first] and [third], but that battle is already over.I’m not here to cause anything [drama]”
Rather than dwell on the past, Oliveira wants to learn from his mistakes and look to the future.
“Fourteen years are not fourteen days,” Oliviera said with dignity. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to look back. My focus is ahead of me.”
The former lightweight champion recently made headlines for reportedly planning to increase his weight to 170 pounds. Oliveira refuted these claims and said the only reason he is moving to welterweight is Conor McGregor.
“A reporter asked me if I would be interested in being a reserve for Conor vs. Conor. [Michael]
Chandler, that’s [at] Welterweight. If I say yes, some people will say I’m quitting the lightweight division, but that’s definitely not the case. My focus is 100% on my department belt.I said I would accept playing against Conor because it would be fun.
[for] my career, so in that particular case I would fight [at]
It’s 77kg. ”
If the backup option for UFC 303 at the end of June doesn’t materialize, ‘de Bronx’ doesn’t want to wait much longer before returning to action.
“I’m already back. [my] Training routine,” Oliveira concluded. “I want to fight in July or August at the most.” [again]”
