Charles Oliveira Offers to Put BMF Belt on the Line as He Eyes Title Rematch Against Justin Gaethje

Charles Oliveira wants a rematch with newly crowned lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, and has floated an interesting stipulation.

Charles Oliveira Offers to Put BMF Belt on the Line as He Eyes Title Rematch Against Justin Gaethje

Charles Oliveira wants another crack at Justin Gaethje [via MMA Fighting]

Former lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira, is eyeing a rematch against the newly crowned UFC lightweight champion. To that end, the Brazilian has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging his former opponent, Justin Gaethje to a rematch. This comes after the American lightweight’s shocking upset victory at the UFC Freedom 250 main event.

Gaethje captured the undisputed lightweight title at 37, with an emphatic performance against Ilia Topuria. His performance has quickly reshaped the conversation around the division. The shocking result immediately sent other lightweights back to work on their own cases for a shot at the belt. As such, Oliveira was among the first to put himself forward.

His pitch arrives after his most recent win against Max Holloway drew criticism from fans, prompting debate around the BMF title. Many even called for changes to the format of BMF title fights. Nonetheless, the Brazilian superstar appears focused on one thing — a chance to face the ‘Highlight’ again as he offered an interesting stipulation for their rematch.

BMF and UFC lightweight belt — let’s make history. Deal? Winner takes all.

Charles Oliveira via X

Charles Oliveira’s proposal is interesting because it would place both titles on the line in the same fight. The offer gives the UFC another potential angle for the lightweight division, where several contenders have already begun positioning themselves for a title shot. However, the BMF titleholder also has a score to settle against Gaethje despite having won their 2022 encounter.

After all, ‘Do Bronx’ was the lightweight champion heading into that fight, looking for his second title defense. However, he missed weight and was subsequently stripped of the title in a controversial incident.

This meant that Gaethje was the only one fighting for a title at UFC 274. Should he be granted a shot at Gaethje, the current BMF champion has an opportunity to finally get a title victory over the American with no asterisks.

That said, the history between the two fighters is not the only reason for making this fight. Oliveira is riding a two-fight win streak with dominant performances in both fights.

Nonetheless, given the talent levels in the lightweight division, there are still other contenders like Arman Tsarukyan with a longer win streak. However, calling for a title shot isn’t all the Brazilian did after UFC Freedom 250.

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Charles Oliveira shows support for Ilia Topuria amid calls for title shot

Charles Oliveira’s last attempt at winning the UFC lightweight title was thwarted by Ilia Topuria. The Georgian-Spanish fighter knocked Oliveira out cold in the first round of their UFC 317 encounter. Even so, the two have maintained a respectful relationship with Topuria even apologizing to Oliveira before their fight for his path to the title having to go through the Brazilian.

Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira
Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira being respectful to each other [via MMA Fighting]

Given the mutual respect between them, the Brazilian didn’t join the cavalcade of fighters mocking Topuria for shockingly losing his undefeated record and lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250. Instead, ‘Do Bronx’ has shown support for ‘El Matador,’ expressing his belief in the former champion eventually making a successful comeback.

You’re going to comeback stronger as the champ you are. All respect.

Charles Oliveira via X

This message from the former lightweight champion comes after a respectful online exchange between Charles Oliveira and Topuria before the events of Sunday. Heading into the White House card, the double champion was asked about Oliveira’s win over Max Holloway at UFC 326. Topuria praised the Brazilian superstar, and lauded him for showing great resilience and competitive spirit in that win.

Given this, Oliveira penned a message for the Spaniard on X showing his gratitude for his acknowledgment while wishing him luck for the White House card. Despite the respect on display from both men, the fact is that they remain competitors in one of the UFC’s marquee divisions. So, while their paths have diverged for now, there may be a future where the two meet in the octagon again.

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