The log jam atop UFC’s stacked lightweight division could become a problem. That’s because everyone is trying to score the next title shot against current champion Islam Makhachev, leaving room for a few fighters to get their hearts broken.
One of those fighters is former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who has put himself back in the position to fight for a title. However, with other contenders like Ilia Topuria, Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, and Arman Tsarukyan vying for their own shot at gold, “do Bronx” may need a few things to fall into place in order to get a chance to regain his belt.
Oliveira, who was UFC’s 155-pound champion from 2021-2022, is coming off a dominant five-round decision win over Michael Chandler his last time out at UFC 309 back in November 2024. Many thought that win may have been enough for Oliveira to secure a rematch against Makhachev — who submitted “do Bronx” back at UFC 280 to win the title — but other names began to pop up. This includes Topuria after his move up from featherweight, Gaethje following his dominant win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, and Pimblett after his bloody TKO win over Chandler earlier this month at UFC 314.
While Oliveira has been a true company man over the years fighting whoever the promotion throws in his way the veteran contender might sit out until he gets his shot at UFC gold. Earlier this week, “do Bronx” spoke with Portal do Vale Tudo about what he wants in his next fight.
“I’m looking for the title,” he said. “I don’t run away from anyone, I never have. I’m not going to run away now. I’m ready to fight any of these guys. I respect them all, but I’m going to set my own pace and my own game.
“So why not? If it’s for the title, why not fight Topuria? I’m looking for the title. I don’t want to fight another fight just to wait for the title, no. That doesn’t interest me. I want to fight for the title.”
What do you think, Maniacs? Should Oliveira get the next shot at UFC lightweight gold?
Let’s discuss!
