Charles Oliveira has put in some amazing work in the UFC Lightweight division recently and his dominating performances have put him in prime position to challenge for a title. Dana White seems to have other ideas for the often-overlooked Brazilian grappler as he recently floated the idea that he would be matched up with the most recent challenger for the Lightweight title, Justin Gaethje. Charles Oliveira and his management team may have other ideas however as they’re eager for a chance at the vacant UFC Lightweight title, against the winner of the upcoming Conor McGregor v Dustin Poirier rematch at UFC 257.
Oliveira’s manager and coach Diego Lima gave the following statement in an interview with MMAFighting:
“I honestly think he deserves to go straight for the belt. He’s coming off eight wins in a row, beat Kevin Lee in great fashion and then dominated Ferguson all around (and Ferguson is one of the best of the division, won 12 straight before losing a title fight). So I think Charles is ready and has enough credibility to fight for the belt.”
“With all due respect, Khabib ran over [Gaethje]. That must count, and a lot,” Lima said. “I believe Charles’ next fight has to be for the belt against the winner of Poirier and McGregor, not Justin Gaethje. But we know this fight between Poirier and McGregor involves a lot of things. We know that Poirier winning means one thing, and McGregor winning changes the whole scenario. I think there’s a lot at stake in this fight.”
