Charles Oliveira has been tipped to win another UFC title after losing to Ilia Topuria.
The Brazilian fan-favorite failed to become a two-time UFC Lightweight Champion at UFC 317 last weekend, when he lost by brutal first-round knockout at the hands of the undefeated Ilia Topuria.
Oliveira, a 35-fight UFC veteran, has lost in the UFC before, but never as devastatingly as this.
Turning 36 later this year, it will be a tough road for Oliveira to get back to the undisputed title, now that Topuria is reigning champion.
Despite the circumstances, one former title challenger could see Oliveira fighting for a belt in his return to the Octagon.
Gilbert Burns says Charles Oliveira’s next fight should be Max Holloway for the BMF title
The BMF title will be up for grabs in the main event of UFC 318.
BMF Champion Max Holloway is set to defend the silver strap against Dustin Poirier in what will be Poirier’s retirement fight on July 19th.
Oliveira has crossed paths with both fighters. When he was a featherweight in 2015, Oliveira lost to Holloway by TKO after a freak injury in the first round. Oliveira defended the lightweight title for a final time against Poirier at UFC 269 in 2021, defeating ‘The Diamond’ by submission in round 3.
Top-10 UFC Welterweight Gilbert Burns says it’s about time Oliveira and Holloway fought again.
“Charles, I think he gotta take six months off,” Burns said on Show Me The Money.
“1000% call Sean Shelby and tell him that I told him that he gotta fight Max Holloway,” Burns continued.
“After Max Holloway’s fight with Dustin, Dustin is out. Dustin’s retired. Max [can] rest a little bit because [he’s fighting in July], this guy [maybe] fighting in December, January.
“Make it BMF for Charles,” Burns said.
Gilbert Burns says BMF title should still happen if Dustin Poirier wins at UFC 318
When asked about Poirier potentially retiring with the BMF belt, Burns says the BMF title should be on the line between Holloway and Oliveira regardless.
“Doesn’t matter,” Burns said of Poirier potentially beating Holloway a third time at UFC 318.
There is a chance that Poirier vs. Holloway 3 will be the final fight for the BMF title later this month.
BMF title or not, Burns predicts who’d win a rematch between Holloway and Oliveira.
“I think Charles,” Burns continued.
“I like this fight. Two legends.
“I don’t think they’re gonna make another run for a title,” Burns said of Holloway and Oliveira.
“But for the BMF, it’s a good fight.”