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Charles Oliveira makes bold demands for next UFC fight

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated Apr 18, 2025 7:20 PM ET

Charles Oliveira knows exactly what he wants at this point in his UFC career.

'Do Bronx' has retained No. 1-lightweight contender status after defeating Michael Chandler in their rematch at UFC 309, and is avidly chasing a rematch with Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev clubbed and subbed Oliveira in their first fight in 2022, which remains Oliveira's last shot at the title. A close fight with Arman Tsarukyan would thwart his next attempt.

With the lightweight title picture heating up, Oliveira has some express demands for his next fight...

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Title shot or bust, Charles Oliveira doesn't want a No. 1-contender fight

Speaking with PVT, Oliveira clarified whether he is avoiding Ilia Topuria at lightweight. He also addressed potential money fights with Paddy Pimblett for No. 1-contender status.

His answer was a mix of yes and no...

"I'm looking for the title. I never run away from anyone, I never have," Oliveira clarified. ". . . I'm ready to fight any of these guys. . . . If it's for the title, why not fight Ilia 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.

"[...] I don't even think about [money fights with Pimblett etc.]. I'm thinking about a title, so I can't be thinking about the guys who are below me..."[Translation h/t Championship Rounds]

It's been three months since Oliveira's last Octagon appearance, and he still has no fight news. Unfortunately for 'Do Bronx', Topuria claims the UFC promised him a title shot if he vacated his belt to move to lightweight.

On the flip side, Pimblett explicitly called out Oliveira for a fight after mauling Michael Chandler at UFC 314 on April 12—there isn't a better fight for Oliveira that doubles as a big-money opportunity and also a title eliminator.

This article first appeared on MMA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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