Charles Oliveira has a bold plan to beat Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett winner to next title shot

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Dec 10, 2025 6:55 AM ET

Charles Oliveira has not given up hope of returning to the UFC lightweight throne.

Ilia Topuria’s brutal UFC 317 knockout dented the Brazilian’s push for a second reign at 155 pounds, having been without the gold in his possession since losing it on the scale in 2022.

After a lengthy debate over who should challenge the Spaniard for his first defense, Topuria’s decision to take a UFC hiatus means an interim title fight will take place before he returns.

The promotion’s 2026 calendar will kick off with Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett headlining UFC 324 in Las Vegas, with the winner emerging as the new interim lightweight champion and with a shot at Topuria in the bank.

Or will they? Oliveira is envisioning something different…

Charles Oliveira believes a win over Max Holloway will secure him an Ilia Topuria rematch

Oliveira returns in the main event of UFC 326, as he headlines the third numbered event on Paramount+ in competition for Max Holloway’s symbolic BMF belt.

The decision to place that rematch at the top of the card caused some backlash, with many downplaying the importance of the BMF title.

‘Do Bronx’, however, seemingly also sees his second showdown with ‘Blessed’ as a title eliminator.

Despite Dana White confirming that the interim lightweight champ will unify the belts against Topuria after UFC 324, Oliveira told Ag. Fight that his drawing power gives him the chance to leapfrog either Gaethje or Pimblett.

“The UFC is a game,” Oliveira said (translated by @ChampRDS). “You have to learn how to play it, otherwise you get left behind.

“We have two guys fighting for the (interim) belt in January. Two months later, I’m fighting for the BMF title. I think, with all due respect, I sell much more than the two who are going to fight for the (interim) title. I have much more charisma.

“So whether you like it or not, I am already stepping strong on the edge of that conversation,” he continued.

“I’m going to put on a great fight and I’m going to win this fight. And if it’s a great fight and I win, I think I’ll burst the bubble and I’ll be next in line for the title again.”

Charles Oliveira breaks down Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324

Oliveira also recently looked ahead to the interim title fight in his division, breaking down the contest between his former opponent and the charging Scouser.

Despite wanting the American to win, Oliveira highlighted Gaethje’s flaw that could give Pimblett the edge at UFC 324.

“He (Pimblett) strikes well on his feet, can take the fight to the ground, and is constantly moving,” Oliveira said during an interview with Olhar da Luta (translated by Google).

“On the other hand, we know that Justin Gaethje is a very tough fighter with insane striking, but he has some flaws on the ground.

“I think Pimblett won’t want to exchange blows with him, he’ll probably try to take it to the ground,” he continued. “If he decides to exchange blows, he could be knocked out. But, if he bets on the takedown, he has a chance to become champion.”

With those comments in mind, Pimblett’s latest remarks may boost the chances of Gaethje emerging victorious in Oliveira’s eyes.

‘The Baddy’ is vowing to shock the world by not following the grappling-heavy gameplan most are expecting. Instead, Pimblett plans to knock Gaethje out to secure his long-awaited grudge match with Topuria.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: