Charles Oliveira most certainly fulfills the ‘conditions’ for applying for this position of UFC GOAT. Do Bronx is a confident fighter who is aware of his capabilities and as such has every right to consider himself a GOAT in the octagon.
When you have most bonuses, most submissions, most KOs, and many title defenses it is easy to presume that you are one of the best in the sport or the best in the division you are fighting in.
Charles Oliveira Says He Is The Chosen One – Declares Himself UFC GOAT
“Most bonuses, most submissions, and most finishes. What else. I’m breaking records. There are no arguments against facts. I’m the chosen one. That’s the reality.” – Oliveira says in a podcast where he is a guest – “I’m getting there. I’m becoming one of the best of all time. I don’t think I am yet. One step at a time. I’m up there. We have to keep our feet on the ground and be humble.
Let people think that. What do you think, am I the greatest of all time? That’s the question.” – He adds – “My age, 32, with records of most submissions and bonuses and so many other things I have to start writing down so I don’t forget. Lightweight champion, 11 wins in a row. Of those 11 wins, only one decision. We’re happy.”
Despite the controversial stripping off his title, the Brazilian remains the people’s champion. He proves his abilities at the UFC 274 when he destroys Gathje. When he performs the submission on Gathje the fans go wild. The public likes him and that is maybe most important. Even though he does not have the belt at the moment, he is sure that he will get it back.
“I’ll still make more history. No one took my belt from me. I made weight, I’ve always made weight. There were those big problems but no one will get this off my head. The champion’s name is Charles Oliveira, and I’ve shown that one more time. The reality is I made weight. There was this issue with the scale, but I showed who the champion is. Half a pound wouldn’t make any difference in the fight, it didn’t make any difference. I went there and did what I had to do, won, and showed who the champion is.” – the people’s champion says.
Now he is the number one contender for the belt. He is to fight for the belt in the following few months, however, the UFC did not choose an opponent for him yet.
There are some rumors saying he might fight Conor McGregor or Islam Makhachev. He personally calls out Conor after the UFC 274 event, but since he might still not be ready for a fight due to his injury, Islam seems like a more plausible option.