Charles Oliveira Addresses His Future In The UFC

Charles Oliveira was set to fight Islam Makhachev for the Lightweight Title last week at UFC 294, but was pulled last minute after getting a bad cut above his eye in training camp 10 days before the fight. Alexander Volkanovski stepped in, but ultimately lost against the still reigning Islam.

Charles Oliveira Wants Next

Following the event, Oliveira sat spoke on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani about the madness that occurred. He mentioned that he wants to be back soon. He wants Makhachev still, but is ready for what ever the UFC has for him. “Whoever the UFC says he’s going to fight, they’re going to fight, everybody knows I’m next. First in the rankings, coming off of a great win, and ready to fight like I was before. I was ready for that fight until [the cut] happened, and I’m next in line.” Charles Oliveira said through his translator.

When asked about an official update from UFC match makers, Charles Oliveira said “No one has said anything,” He continued; “They know who I am, they know what I’m all about, they know that I’m going to train to become a champion. I’m training and I’m getting ready for it. They know what I’m all about. I don’t fight for money. I fight to make history and I fight for my legacy. So I’m going to continue to train, continue to get prepared and try to get up to 100 percent just like I was right before this fight. When I’m 100 percent, that’s when I’ll be ready to fight.”

Charles Oliveira made it clear, whether it’s Islam moves up or not, he wants the gold. “I want the belt, whoever’s got that belt, it doesn’t matter who has it. I want that belt.” Though, he did give his respect for both Islam and Alex for their efforts at UFC 294. “I’ve said this before, this only goes to show with the things that I’ve said before, the evolution of Islam’s game standing up. What a read that he had of that fight. Start kicking low and just ended up kicking high. Kudos to him, all props to him, and also all the props as well to Volkanovski for actually taking that fight on short notice. All the respect to both of them, they’re great fighters, obviously Islam is a great champion, and all respect to both fighters. It shows his evolution as an MMA fighter.”

Now, it’s in the hands of UFC whether or not Charles Oliveira is truly next for the championship.

From: Brady Alexander

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