Charles Oliveira defended his lightweight title for the first time in incredible fashion, finishing Dustin Poirier via rear naked choke in the third round. Oliveira told the post-fight press conference that he’s happy to let his wins – ten in the last three years, and counting – speak for themselves.
Did he care that most betting outlets listed Poirier as a favorite? “I don’t care. I don’t care what people think, I don’t care what they say. Look at what they’ve been saying about me.
Oliveira Reacts To First Title Defense: “They say I quit. Look what I’ve been doing!”
They say I can’t take hits. Look at what I’ve been doing. They say I quit. Look what I’ve been doing. So I’m just gonna continue to do what I do.”
Even some serious criticism from lightweight contender Justin Gaethje didn’t faze the champ. Gaethje spent most of this year blasting Oliveira’s mentality and fighting spirit. With Gaethje almost definitely challenging for Oliveira’s title next, “Do Bronx” remains confident of a victory whenever that fight transpires. “Listen, I don’t care.
I come here and I do it. I’m not on the internet, I’m not on Twitter, I’m not on Facebook trying to show people what’s going on. I’m here, I’m the champion, I have this belt, I’m gonna keep defending it, I don’t care what people say. I’m gonna do me.”
Gaethje vs Oliveira would be a classic striking vs grappling matchup. Justin Gaethje’s reputation for violent, brutal striking precedes him, as does Oliveira’s record for the most submission finishes in UFC history. However, having just faced down arguably the finest striker in the lightweight division in Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira isn’t particularly concerned about Gaethje.
“It’s what I’ve always said. A fight is a fight. I’m gonna do what I do. We’re gonna plan around whoever the opponent is and we’re gonna do what’s needed and we’re just gonna continue to train and make it happen.”
Of course, no conversation about the lightweight title would be complete without at least one mention of Khabib Nurmegomedov. While Charles Oliveira was slowly, dutifully working his way through the division, Khabib mauled opponents, remaining undefeated until his sudden retirement. Khabib congratulated Oliveira on his victory over Poirier via Twitter.
Oliveira isn’t concerned with the fact that he missed a shot at the man many consider the lightweight GOAT.
“I said that I really don’t care what people think. He was a great fighter, a great champion, he had his history and his legacy but he retired and now history and legacy have a new name and its Charles Oliveira.
From now on, there’s not this thing of, ‘Oh, it didn’t happen,’ ‘the one that got away.’ It’s what we can do.” Are we entering the Oliveira era? Let us know in the comments.
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