Charles Oliveira Bashes Embarrassing Lightweight Division for Online Call-Outs After Declining Dana White’s Offers

Former champion Charles Oliveira criticizes the Lightweight Division for unnecessary call-outs that have not shown up after Rafael Fiziev pulled out.

Charles Oliveira Bashes Embarrassing Lightweight Division for Online Call-Outs After Declining Dana White’s Offers

Charles Oliveira calls out the lightweight division (via MMA Fighting, BBC)

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The lightweight division has always been regarded as one of the deepest and most competitive in mixed martial arts. With high stakes and global attention, every move made by fighters in this weight class is scrutinized, debated, and compared. However, former champion Charles Oliveira‘s recent comments have cast a different light on the current state of the division.

‘Do Bronx’ was set to fight #10-ranked lightweight, Rafael Fiziev, in a much-anticipated bout at UFC Rio. However, Fiziev had to withdraw from the fight due to an undisclosed injury. The fight was essential to Oliveira, as Brazil is his homeland, and he has remained undefeated in events held there. Many fighters agreed to step in for the fight on short notice, but nothing materialized.

Oliveira looked to get back into the win column after his brutal knockout loss against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. He has faced every opponent put in front of him with unmatched grit and spectacular performances. However, Oliveira got vocal about the way things are unfolding, particularly around opponents using social media as a platform for challenges that don’t materialize when official offers arrive.

Everybody knows my UFC Rio fight is off. But don’t fall for the talk of these guys out there saying, ‘I’m here, I’ll go.’ Because the UFC is calling and they’re all saying, ‘Oh, there’s not enough time to make weight. Oh, I can’t.’ They’re posting this on the internet to get hype.

Charles Oliveira via X

In a heated post on X, ‘Do Bronx,’ spoke about how the pattern of fighters making public call-outs only to back away when the contract is presented has become a recurring theme. From his perspective, it has become a cycle that damages the division’s credibility and undermines the spirit of competition he has long championed.

Stop it, it’s not a good look. I saw one saying this, another saying that, but when the UFC calls, what do they say? ‘Oh, I can’t. I got belly ache. I broke a finger. I hurt my hand.’ Enough with that, it’s not a good look. Do you want fame? Do something else. Don’t come saying you’ll fight when it’s a lie, OK?

Charles Oliveira via X

With Oliveira’s career defined by taking on all challengers, the current reluctance from some fighters to step into the cage has drawn sharp comparisons. Where once the division was overflowing with activity and bold matchups, today, there are growing concerns about hesitation and missed opportunities.

As a former champion, ‘Do Bronx’ has consistently faced the best the lightweight roster has had to offer. He lost his title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280. However, his resume includes victories over elite names such as Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson, and Michael Chandler. This has solidified his reputation as one of the most accomplished fighters and a fan favorite in the history of the weight class.

Which fighters expressed their wish to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC RIO?

Over the past few months, several names in the lightweight division publicly expressed interest in stepping up to face Charles Oliveira. Social media became the stage for these challenges, with fighters signaling their readiness and eagerness to clash with the former champion. At first glance, it seemed like the division was alive with competitive energy.

Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira (via UFC)

Fellow Brazilian Renato Moicano believed that a fight against ‘Do Bronx’ would be perfect after the news of Fiziev pulling out. #8-ranked lightweight Mateusz Gamrot also expressed his wish to fight Oliveira in his home ground to prove himself. Frenchman Benoit Saint Denis spoke about stepping in on short notice two weeks before Fiziev pulled out.

As the lightweight division continues to evolve, all eyes remain on how fighters respond when opportunities become real. For Oliveira, the focus is clear: demand accountability, stay ready, and let actions inside the Octagon speak louder than words online. It remains to be seen how the 155-pound division answers to Charles Oliveira’s call out.

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