After his victory over the No. 4 lightweight, Beneil Dariush, former champion Charles Oliveira wants a second chance against Islam Makhachev.
During the co-main event of UFC 289, Charles Oliveira once again shocked the planet. Indeed, the Brazilian overcame Beneil Dariush by TKO in the 1st round. So, ‘do Bronx’ beat all of the top 5 lightweights. Thanks to this memorable victory, Oliveira broke impressive records, and placed himself at the top of the list for the next title-shot.
At UFC 280, Charles Oliveira failed to reclaim his belt from Islam Makhachev. In the second round, the Dagestani submitted the child of the favelas, seizing the throne of the division. Now that he is back in the competition, Charles Oliveira intends to get his revenge.
Charles Oliveira wants Islam Makhachev
“Look, who has the belt? said Charles Oliveira during the post-fight press conference. “He has the belt, and I want to be champion, so I have to go through him. Of course, I want to fight him. But for now, I don’t want to worry about it. I want to go home with my family, relax a bit and let my team decide. »
After a twelfth victory in thirteen fights, ‘do Bronx’ seems confident in his ability to defeat Khabib’s protege: “Nothing. I wouldn’t do anything different, I would just be Charles,” admitted the Brazilian when asked what approach he would take in a second duel with the Dagestani.
After the event, UFC President Dana White said he wanted to see the rematch between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. In addition, the two men have already started to send spades on social networks.
Makhachev reacted to Oliveira’s performance on social media.
Before the loss to Makhachev, the last time Oliveira had tasted defeat was 2017. He embraced the chance to respond to the loss, especially after he was written off by some in the sport as a true contender for the belt. His emotions welled and burst during the victory celebration in the Octagon.
“I am always so focused, but I couldn’t control it here,” says Oliveira. “That is what happened after I won. I have fought very hard to be here. It was like a scene from a movie, and I’ll never forget it.
“I am happy to represent Brazil and all of those who support me. This is global. This is worldwide. When I have my hand raised, it’s not just my hand in the air. When you dedicate yourself and fight and compete and win, all our arms are raised.”
The 289 card was closed out by the great Amanda Nunes, who pieced Irene Aldana apart in what equated to a five-round sparring session. Nunes announced her retirement after the victory, and Oliveira was honored to watch her compete one last time.
“I made sure to watch,” says Oliveira. “I have all the respect in the world for Amanda. Not only was she double champ, she lost the belt and then won it back. She deserves to retire in peace.”
Oliveira is in a similar spot—he lost his lightweight title and is seeking to reclaim it. He has a monstrous obstacle in front of him in Makhachev, but Oliveira is no stranger to overcoming adversity.
“Makhachev doesn’t know what he’s in for,” says Oliveira. “But I’ll tell him—this lion is very hungry.
