Charles Oliveira. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Oliveira discusses 'hunting' for Islam Makhachev rematch

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Mar 29, 2023 4:22 PM ET

Charles Oliveira lost more than his 11-fight winning streak against Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 in October.

The 33-year-old Brazilian also lost his spot in line in terms of the UFC lightweight title picture. Now, with an upcoming bout against Beneil Dariush at UFC 288, Oliveira seems resolved to work his way back into the 155-pound title conversation.

“I want it so bad,” Oliveira told MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz. “I want to become champion again, I want to win, I want to make history. I’m hungry to win. I’m like a lion hunting. … I’ll tell you the truth — being real here — I’ll hunt in this fight. I’ll walk forward the entire time. I don’t care if it’s a knockout, a submission, or a decision, I’ll hunt in this fight.”

Charles Oliveira is on the hunt to reclaim the lightweight title

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Makhachev’s second-round submission win was the first time Oliveira had been defeated in a title fight, and it was just the fourth time he had been submitted in his professional career.

Dariush, on the other hand, is an impressive stretch of his own that includes an eight-fight winning streak (which includes wins over Tony Ferguson and Carlos Diego Ferreira) and four post-fight bonuses in his last seven bouts.

“I’m sure this fight is going to be an absolute war,” Oliveira added. “Two great fighters, two guys that go for it, two guys that don’t want to go the distance, right? Each one in his own style and way of fighting. The difference now is how happy I am, and how hungry I am. I’m hungry to win, I really want to win and make it happen. I really want to become champion again.”

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

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