The mixed martial arts world is eagerly awaiting the date and opponent for Charles Oliveira in a fight for the vacant UFC lightweight title.
Chute Boxe coach Diego Lima recently made it clear that Oliveira had his preferences, which included Conor McGregor in Brazil at the top of the wish list. The backup plan was Islam Makhachev in Brazil, while the least desirable option was to face Makhachev in Abu Dhabi. However, Lima added that the UFC had the last word.
Last Friday in Las Vegas, Oliveira told Combate that if the UFC met his payment demands, he would accept a fight with Makhachev in Abu Dhabi.
“It would be great to fight in Brazil against Conor. Everybody knows I'm interested in that fight because of the money and business,” he said. “But if UFC really wants that fight with Makhachev, just put [enough] money in my bank account so that I'll fight no matter the location. I'm professional, I'm the champion, I'll fight.”
Lima revealed to Sherdog that after a series of meetings with the UFC, it appears that the promotion and Oliveira have reached an agreement.
“We had a few meetings, all of which were very productive,” Lima said. “We left there very satisfied, and in about 10 days UFC must announce their final decision, which is among the options that we have already discussed. What the UFC announces will be fine by us.”
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