The fight game has a funny way of reshaping priorities. Just a few years ago, Charles Oliveira was the king of the UFC’s lightweight division, setting records and breaking hearts. Now, after his recent setback against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300, the Brazilian sensation is charting a different course. He is set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 309.
As UFC 309 approaches at the iconic Madison Square Garden, Oliveira finds himself in an intriguing position. He showcased his surprising interest in a potential showdown with Max Holloway. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as Holloway, fresh off his loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308, has announced his move to the lightweight division.
“I’m about legacy. That’d be great. Why not? As I’m talking about [legacy], I mean, being the BMF champ would be gigantic for that,” Oliveira told MMA Fighting.
It’s worth noting that these two warriors have some unfinished business. Their first encounter ended prematurely due to an injury Oliveira sustained just 99 seconds into the fight. Meanwhile, the prospect of claiming the BMF belt seems to light a fire in Charles Oliveira’s eyes, perhaps even more than the lightweight championship.
The immediate challenge, however, remains Michael Chandler. Their first meeting was a rollercoaster of emotions. Oliveira survived a rocky first round to claim victory and the lightweight crown. Now, with both fighters at different points in their careers, the rematch carries its own unique weight.
Charles Oliveira Gives His Opinion On Arman Tsarukyan vs. Islam Makhachev
When it comes to analyzing lightweight matchups, few voices carry as much weight as ‘Do Bronx.’ The Brazilian sensation has shared the octagon with virtually every elite fighter in the division, including both Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan.
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In his characteristic straightforward style, Charles Oliveira broke down the potential rematch between Makhachev and Tsarukyan. Having felt the pressure of both men’s grappling firsthand – Makhachev’s submission victory in 2022 and Tsarukyan’s recent decision win at UFC 300 – Oliveira sees them as mirror images of each other.
“As I said, whenever asked about this, I think that one of them is just a toe ahead of the other. I think Islam is a little step, a step ahead of Arman. I think he’s just stronger by a little bit. But I think when push comes to shove, any of them could win. That’s how I feel,” Oliveira said via New York Post Sports.
What makes Charles Oliveira’s assessment particularly compelling is how he’s managed to maintain objectivity despite his personal history with both fighters. It’s not easy to analyze the skills of someone who’s recently handed you a loss. It remains to be seen if his prediction will hold true once the two titans fight.
Also Read: Charles Oliveira Urges UFC To “Help” Tony Ferguson Amidst His Relentless Refusal To Retire
