Former UFC champion Charles Oliveira wanted a rematch against Islam Makhachev but has recently confirmed that he will not be ready to fight him at UFC 294 scheduled to happen in Dubai on October 21.
When Oliveira dominantly defeated Beneil Dariush in May, this year, it looked like the Brazilian was all set to take a shot at the lightweight title against Makhachev. However, Charles has said that he will not be ready for the big challenge against the Dagestani fighter in such a short time.
However, on July 12, Charles Olivera posted a tweet full of positivity which reflects on his mindset and hunger for the UFC Lightweight title. The tweet, written in Portuguese, translated to, “No matter how long it takes, if it’s in God’s plans, it will happen.”
Não importa quanto tempo demore, se estiver nos planos de Deus, vai acontecer.
— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) July 12, 2023
Fans are speculating that this was targeted against the reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, suggesting a rematch soon.
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski had also expressed his desire for a rematch against Makhachev.
Oliveria’s statement may have killed Volk’s hopes as it appears like Do Bronx is the perfect contender for the title shot after a comprehensive victory in his last UFC appearance.
Charles Oliveira feels he wasn’t the same person against Islam Makhachev
Charles Oliveira was thought of as one the best contenders to break Islam Makhachev’s winning streak in the UFC but the Dagestani fighter won easily by submission and became the UFC lightweight champion.
During a press conference before UFC 289, when Oliveira was asked about his loss against Makhachev, Oliveira gave a strange reply.
“I didn’t watch it, it wasn’t me, I wasn’t there,” said the Brazilian fighters in his native Portuguese tongue. The fighter was probably suggesting that, for some reason, he could not display his natural game against Islam Makhachev.
The fight was hyped as Islam’s toughest challenge and it would not be wrong to say that Oliveira was the fan favorite for UFC 284 at Abu Dhabi.
However, much to everyone’s surprise, the Dagestani fighter got the better of Do Bronx in the second round itself by submission and earned the lightweight title. After winning the fight against Dariush, it seemed like the Brazilian would be ready for the title challenge against Makhachev. However, he himself expressed that he will not be completely ready in October to fight in Abu Dhabi against the current champion.
This gives Volkanovski a chance to present himself as the contender for the lightweight title after a comfortable victory against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290.