Diego Lima, Charles Oliveira’s longtime coach, believes “Do Bronx” is the most logical candidate for the next lightweight title fight.
Oliveira lost the title to Islam Makhachev by second-round submission at UFC 280 in Abu Dhabi in October 2022. Oliveira then knocked out Beneil Dariush to set up a quick rematch with Makhachev at the same venue a year later at UFC 294. However, “The Bronx” was forced to withdraw 10 days before the bout after suffering a severe cut during sparring. Alexander Volkanovski took the Brazilian’s place, but was knocked out by Makhachev with a brutal head kick.
Oliveira then lost a split decision to fellow challenger Arman Tsarukyan in a title eliminator at UFC 300. Tsarukyan was offered an immediate title fight against Makhachev, who was adamant about fighting in the summer, but “Akhalkalakec” turned it down, citing the move as too early.
Makhachev also expressed interest in a matchup with Justin Gaethje, but “The Highlight” suffered a one-sided TKO loss to former featherweight champion Max Holloway at UFC 300. The title bout ultimately went to Dustin Poirier, who won by stoppage over Benoit St. Denis at UFC 299 in March of this year.
Poirier gave Makhachev a tough fight in the main event of UFC 302 on June 1, losing by submission in the fifth round. Makhachev will next defend his title at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi in October. Tsarukyan would be the ideal next title contender, but the Armenian is currently suspended for throwing a punch at a fan at UFC 300. With Tsarukyan out, Lima told UFC that Oliveira is targeting the next title fight against Makhachev.
“They talked a lot. I told him what I think, what I want. But now we have to wait for them to figure out what they think for Charles,” Lima told Ag.Fight (translation: Championship Round“They really like Charles. They want the best for Charles. And I’ve made it very clear that I want to get back on the belt path. Charles and I both want the belt.”
“With Armand out of the running, the only name I can think of is Charles Oliveira. Charles is ranked No. 2, and if you look at the rankings, there’s no one who can fight Makhachev. Poirier just fought, and Gaethje just got knocked out. So the truth is, with Armand out of the running, I don’t think there’s anybody else at 155 pounds who can fight Makhachev other than Charles.”
The NSAC suspended Tsarukyan for nine months, but if he takes part in an anti-bullying public service announcement, the suspension will be reduced to six months, making him eligible to compete by Oct. 12, two weeks before UFC 308 on Oct. 26.
