“A new era has begun,” Charles Oliveira vows to make history in the UFC Lightweight division


“A new era has begun,” Charles Oliveira vows to make history in the UFC Lightweight division

Charles Oliveira, Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor

The Brazilian Lightweight fighter, Charles Oliveira achieved his childhood dream of becoming the UFC Lightweight champion at UFC 262. Oliveira defeated Michael Chandler and captured the vacant Lightweight throne.

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On his return to Sao Paulo, Brazil, as the new UFC Lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira received a massive welcome from the crowd. After parting for a week he appeared in an exclusive interview with MMA Fighting and talked about starting his reign in the UFC Lightweight division.

When Oliveira was asked about how special it was for him to return to Brazil with the UFC Lightweight title. He says, “Better than I expected, brother. Way better. I’m super happy with everything that’s going on in my life, the way things are happening. I’m thankful to God for giving me everything.”

“Imagine this, people are calling me the new Ayrton Senna. To hear that, man, it’s fantastic. People calling you the new Ayrton Senna. Older people saying they’ve never felt so much joy and emotion. I’m really grateful and happy.” {H/T MMA Fighting}

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After this, the biggest match in the UFC Lightweight division is lined up as the trilogy between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier. Although, nothing is official but the chances are very high that the winner of this match will face ‘Do Bronx’ for the first title shot.

Talking about it Oliveira says, “Man, for real, I’ve waited many years to get here, and here I am. We will work hard to maintain this reign for a long time. I think everybody knows we’ll wait for Conor and Dustin to fight and the next challenger will be whoever wins.” {H/T MMA Fighting}

“I’ll go back to training eyeing that, waiting for the next opponent. I’ll enjoy the moment, a unique moment in my life, and wait for this fight to happen to see who’s next.”

Charles Oliveira also talks about his comparison with Khabib Nurmagomedov

Charles Oliveira
Charles Oliveira

After the dominating victory over Michael Chandler and extending his winning streak to 9 straight fights in the Lightweight division, many people started comparing ‘Do Bronx’ with Khabib Nurmagomedov.

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In the same interview with MMA Fighting, Charles Oliveira speaks about this, he says, “Many people told me to wear a shirt taking shots at Nurmagomedov or say something about him in the end. Khabib is a great champion, 29-0, and deserves all the respect in the world.”

“He came in and was always dominant with his style. He retired because his father passed away, and he deserves more respect because of that. He swore over his father’s grave he wouldn’t fight again and if it has to be up to me to say something for him to come back, he’ll stay retired.” {H/T MMA Fighting}

Oliveira also talked about his fight against ‘The Eagle’. He added, “Everybody would love to see this fight, of course. I would also love to see this fight, but I don’t see myself under his shadow. He said he’s beaten everybody in the division but he never fought me, so he can’t say he’s beaten everybody.”

“But he’s beaten everyone he fought. He deserves all the respect in the world. But the new lightweight champion is Charles Oliveira, someone who comes in to finish people. A new legacy has begun in the lightweight division.” {H/T MMA Fighting}

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“What Khabib has done until now was 100 percent wonderful, a respectful man, but a new era has begun. A new legacy. Charles Oliveira.”

Also Read: “Conor, worry about Dustin, I’m going to put you on you’re a*s,” Charles Oliveira fires back at Conor McGregor.