“If I’m the champion today, it is because I fought a lot for that” – Charles Oliveira hits back at Justin Gaethje

“If I’m the champion today, it is because I fought a lot for that” – Charles Oliveira hits back at Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira politely hit back at Justin Gaethje over the latter’s recent comments of having no respect for the Brazilian. Oliveira captured the lightweight title at UFC 262, after he beat Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 262 (for the vacant lightweight title).

Gaethje was not particularly impressed with Oliveira winning the lightweight title. In a recent interview with ESPN, he said, “I thought this was the most coveted title in the UFC when Khabib was around, and it was turned into almost the laughing stock of the UFC overnight.”

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Charles Oliveira hit back at Justin Gaethje saying that the lightweight title did not come just like that to him. It was only through his hard work and grit that he was able to get his hands on the title. Oliveira went on to say that he will be waiting for Gaethje (with the belt) if ‘The Highlight is able to notch up a string of victories.

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“I’m going to be here with my belt” – Charles Oliveira to Justin Gaethje

Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira

Oliveira was quoted as saying (in an interview with Sherdog), “What I have to say to Gaethje is do your job, win your fights and get your opportunity, just like I did and make it happen. I’m going to be here with my belt. When you get nine straight wins you may complain with Dana (White).” [via Sherdog]

He continued, “I did 28 fights in the UFC in the last 11 years, I was coming from eight consecutive wins, I have the bonus record of UFC, I beat the record of submissions of Royce Gracie and Demian Maia in the organization. If I didn’t have the right to fight for the belt, who should have? If I’m the champion today, it is because I fought a lot for that.” [via Sherdog]

Oliveira will be facing off against Dustin Poirier soon, most probably at UFC 269 in the second week of December. The fight will be his first-ever title defense. The Brazilian is already on a nine-fight winning streak, and is undefeated since 2017, when he last lost to Paul Felder.

Gaethje, on the other hand, will be making his return to the Octagon at UFC 268, since the iconic UFC 254 fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2020. He will be taking on Michael Chandler, who last fought Oliveira for the lightweight title.

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