Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira had one of the greatest performances of his career when he defeated Michael Chandler no UFC 309last Saturday (16) — this even earned him the fight of the night bonus.
This was the second fight that the former lightweight champion had in 2024, but for next year, he intends to have a different rhythm.
“If I can have three fights, one at the beginning, one in the middle and one at the end, it would be important. I don’t like standing still, I like to keep the pace, fighting, dedicating myself. When you stand still, you end up wasting time and rhythm”, he said, in an interview with OneTwo Sports.
After the victory, Charles revealed he suffered a knee injurybut preferred not to cancel his participation in UFC 309. Back in Brazil, he will undergo imaging tests to determine the treatment and, if it is nothing serious, he intends to return to the octagon in February to be able to fight all three fights.
The biggest objective is obvious: to win the category title again — and Dana White has already guaranteed that he is definitely back in line.
But it won’t be that fast; Islam Makhachev, current lightweight champion, will still face Arman Tsarukyan, who beat Charles in April and moved up to first place in the division. In order not to stand still, the caiçara will have to face other opponents before challenging for the title.
Is Conor McGregor still an option for Charles do Bronx?
Before the rematch with Michael Chandler, there was speculation about the winner facing Conor McGregor in the Irishman’s possible return to the Octagon, but there are no negotiations on that.
“I think it’s a fight that will make a lot of money for me, it would be something very good, the whole world would like to see it. Whether he comes back or not is up to him, but I think it’s difficult”, said Charles.
Another interesting option for Oliveira would be compete for the BMF belt with Max Hollowaywho despite being a featherweight, also appears in the lightweight rankings, in fifth place.
Furthermore, the Brazilian himself was willing to remain in the “reserve” for the fight between Makhachev and Tsarukyan, which does not yet have a confirmed date, but should take place in early 2025.