One of Charles Oliveira’s fellow Brazilian UFC lightweights is not happy with the matchup ‘Do Bronx’ is returning into.
To the concern of many, Oliveira is set to be back in action just four months after the most brutal setback of his career at International Fight Week this past June.
Oliveira was knocked out by Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 317, with the Spaniard leaving the fan favorite unconscious in the very first round of their clash for the vacant lightweight championship.
Such a vicious result left most hoping to see a period of rest and recovery for ‘Do Bronx’, but the Brazilian is instead looking to get straight back on the horse by making his first appearance on home soil in over five years.
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Renato Moicano saw three better options for Charles Oliveira’s next UFC fight
Oliveira will headline UFC Rio against Rafael Fiziev on October 11, marking an extremely quick turnaround from the devastating blow Topuria dealt to his ambitions of a second lightweight title reign.
Among those confused by the booking is the former champ’s fellow countryman and lightweight peer, Renato Moicano. In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, ‘Money’ appeared bemused at the matchup chosen.
Moicano sees Fiziev as a major threat to Oliveira, so much so that he’s branded ‘Ataman’ the likely favorite. With that in mind, he believes ‘Do Bronx’ would have been better served chasing three other potential opponent options, two of whom he is very familiar with.
“It would make more sense for Charles to take on (Dan) Hooker, get a rematch with (Justin) Gaethje, or wait for (Max) Holloway, who had already expressed interest in fighting him,” Moicano said.
Oliveira initially called Holloway out shortly after his loss at UFC 317, looking to avenge his defeat to ‘Blessed’ back in 2015. Though the Hawaiian responded positively, the promotion evidently has different plans for the BMF champ.
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Renato Moicano knows the danger Rafael Fiziev presents to Charles Oliveira
It is unsurprising to see Moicano send a warning to Oliveira, having become well accustomed to Fiziev’s abilities inside the Octagon himself a number of years ago.
Moicano was finished by Fiziev at UFC 256 in 2020, with a brutal combination on the feet sending the then-future title challenger to the canvas in round one.
Having felt that power first-hand, the Brazilian sees his former opponent as the “worst” possible choice for Oliveira’s first fight after the Topuria KO.
“The worst fight in the whole lightweight rankings for Charles,” Moicano said during the same video.
“In my opinion, Fiziev is the best striker in the division, actually the best striker I’ve ever faced, and I see the UFC wanting to put Fiziev on a title run again,” he added.