Following a series of exchanges with Ilia Topuria recently, Charles Oliveira, known as “do Bronx”, has made his intentions clear regarding his next fight.
The former UFC lightweight champion took to his Instagram, posting a video message directed at UFC authorities Dana White, Sean Shelby, and Hunter Campbell, urging them to finalize a rematch against Islam Makhachev.
“I want to fight during International Fight Week,” Oliveira stated, referring to UFC 317, a запланированное pay-per-view event on June 28 in Las Vegas. “Makhachev also desires this fight. Dana, Sean Shelby, Hunter, let`s make it a reality. This is the fight I truly want. I`m coming for that belt. I aim to be champion once again. I`m going to rewrite this story. UFC, let’s get it done. This is the fight everyone is anticipating. I am ready.”
Oliveira faced a submission defeat against Makhachev in October 2022 in a fight for the then-vacant title. Since then, his record stands at 2 wins and 1 loss, including a narrow decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan, bookended by dominant victories over Beneil Dariush and Michael Chandler. Makhachev has been on a winning streak of four fights since his victory over Oliveira, defeating Alexander Volkanovski twice, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano as a late replacement opponent.
“Makhachev is vocal about wanting this fight, and it’s guaranteed to be a major battle,” Oliveira commented. “International Fight Week, is this the fight you desire? Because this is the fight you’ll get. Dana, UFC, Sean, Hunter, let`s make it happen. Call me.”
“Do Bronx” also considered a rematch with Max Holloway for the BMF title as a secondary option if the Makhachev rematch for June didn`t materialize, and he expressed a lack of interest in fighting Topuria in his division. Topuria responded to Oliveira`s statement that a fight with him “wouldn’t be a big fight” with criticisms of the Brazilian on social media.
“There are many in UFC and MMA who talk excessively,” Oliveira remarked in his video. “I can discuss UFC history. I’m about to complete 15 years here. I hold records for bonuses, for submissions. A record-breaker? That’s me.”
