Following his loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 last month, Charles Oliveira is heavily considering his next options, and wants a quick turnaround instead of spending time on the sidelines.
‘Do Bronx’s’ fight with Arman Tsarukyan was touted as a number one contender fight, with that being the Brazilian’s chance to claim a rematch with lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
Despite that, Charles Oliveira was narrowly beaten by the 27-year-old and has since had time to plan his next move.
Charles Oliveira is running out of options at 155lbs
If the former lightweight champion is looking to reclaim his undisputed title, he will likely need to pick up back-to-back wins before he is considered.
Prior to his fight with ‘Ahalkalakets’, Oliveira made it clear that he wanted a fight with the returning Conor McGregor next, and although that fight could’ve made sense, the Irishman finally had his fight with Michael Chandler booked.
Unfortunately for the 34-year-old, the top of the lightweight division is relatively clogged up at the moment, and there aren’t many options left for Oliveira.
Mateusz Gamrot is still waiting in the wings for his title shot – after he weighed in as a back up for UFC 294 – and he is currently riding a three fight win streak, with impressive wins over Jalin Turner and Rafael Dos Anjos.
This would present a new matchup for Oliveira – who has already fought a who’s who at lightweight – and would put him back into title contention with a win.
The only other fresh matchup that makes sense for the Brazilian at lightweight, is Rafael Fiziev. The technical striker is looking to return this summer following the injury he suffered against the aforementioned Gamrot back in September.
Charles Oliveira though is weighing up the possibility of moving up to welterweight, as he searches for ‘money and legacy’.
Charles Oliveira considering the possibility of moving up to 170lbs
In an interview with MMAFighting’s, Guilherme Cruz, ‘Do Bronx’ said he would be open to moving up to welterweight for a ‘big fight’, stating that he is looking for ‘money’ and ‘legacy’.
“We have to think, breathe and calmly think about what we will do.” Oliveira started. “In reality, why not take that will lead us to money, that will make history and add more legacy, why not? (take a fight at welterweight).
“We have to think about it and discuss it and talk to the organization and think about it, why not move up in weight and do a big fight? A fight that will make history, a fight that will make sense and bring money, why not?” Oliveira added.
With Oliveira considering a possible move up to 170lbs, he would likely only need one win to put himself into title contention, purely because of the star power he possesses.
The current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, is not yet booked for his next title defense but with the UFC recently announcing their return to Manchester for UFC 304, it is likely that ‘Rocky’ will defend his title against Belal Muhammad on the July 27th card.