Former UFC lightweight champion Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira wants revenge on the man who dethroned him. Oliveira effectively lost the lightweight title to Islam Makhachev last year, after being stripped of the title for failing to make weight ahead of the fight before that. Makhachev claimed the vacant title – although Oliveira and many fans felt that “Do Bronx” was the real champ in all but name – on what Oliveira called “a bad night” at the UFC 283 ceremonial weigh-ins.
“We have to aim high. Maybe fight in the United States in May and then come back to fighting in Brazil by the end of the year — if it’s in Sao Paulo, even better —, and who knows, maybe fight for the belt again. That would be great.
Oliveira Aims For Makhachev Rematch In 2023
With all due respect, I had 10 minutes off on a bad night. I wouldn’t change anything to fight Islam Makhachev. This fight will happen again. Be sure of that, this fight will happen. I’ll fight in April or May, no matter who that is, and God will bless me with a win, and I’ll have my rematch with Islam Makhachev by the end of the year.”
Oliveira’s sublime finishing ability carried him to the title, seeing him dispatch Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje. His jiu-jitsu, especially from guard, was dangerous enough that most opponents faltered at the prospect of a grounded Oliveira.
Not Islam Makhachev. Makhachev passed and pinned Oliveira, finishing the Brazilian with a vicious arm triangle, inside a single round. Oliveira, who has not fought since, revealed that he was offered a spot at UFC 283 in Rio de Janeiro, but turned it down. Oliveira did not reveal who his potential opponent would have been, instead pointing out that he needs to face someone who can send him back to the top.
“There’s no point coming in thirsty and not thinking with the head, to think with the heart. If I were to think with my heart I would definitely be part of this card,. It was offered a fight, and I thought quite a lot about it, but the timing is fighting in May and maybe fight for the title in Sao Paulo by the end of the year. Let’s make it happen.”
Do you think Charles Oliveira can recapture UFC gold, or is his time at the top over? Let us know your 2023 predictions for the lightweight title in the comments.
