“Everyone knows that I’m next!” Unbothered Charles Olivera confident he’s next in line for Islam Makhachev

Charles Oliveira brushes off other lightweight contenders' chance to fight for the title next.

“Everyone knows that I’m next!” Unbothered Charles Olivera confident he’s next in line for Islam Makhachev

Charles Oliveira believes he will fight Islam Makhachev next (Via Imago)

Recently, talks of Dustin Poirier fighting the lightweight champion Islam Makhachev made its rounds online. But, the lightweight division had Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje as the front runners for a title fight. With contenders ready to grab the title fight opportunity, Oliveira shared thoughts about his situation.

In a recent interview, Charles Oliveira brimmed confidently about winning his next fight against Arman Tsarukyan. As such, he focused on the lightweight gold and remained assertive in his title shot. While Dustin Poirier or the winner of Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway could snatch the opportunity, ‘Do Bronx’ wasn’t concerned about it. Here is what he said:

Not at all, I don’t even think about that. Everyone knows that I’m next in line, so I’m gonna be the next one to get the title.
Charles Oliveira via MMA Mania
YouTube video

Charles Oliveira had the opportunity to fight the lightweight champion at UFC 294. But a last-minute injury sidelined him from the matchup. As such, he was forced to take on another fight to prove his title contention spot. Justin Gaethje also equally asserted his position as a powerful title contender. He knocked out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 to earn the BMF title.

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While Charles Oliviera and Justin Gaethje had booked fights, Dustin Poirier sneaked in with Islam Makhachev’s interests. The talks about their potential fight began after the lightweight champion wanted to defend his title in June, and Poirier was the only available name. But, ‘Do Bronx’ brushed it off, saying it was just an ‘internet thing’ (rumors).

What would happen if Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaetje both won at UFC 300?

Charles Oliveira has a tough challenge ahead of him in Arman Tsarukyan. A win over the surging lightweight prospect means a title shot for the Brazillian. However, Justin Gaethje earned his title shot with two consecutive wins. Further, a win over Max Holloway would only assert that position. This put the two exciting fighters on a collision path. While a loss to either of them would put them out of the title picture, a win for them presented the question of ‘Who would challenge the lightweight champion?’

Who fights for the lightweight title with a win at UFC 300? Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje?
Who fights for the lightweight title with a win at UFC 300? Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje? (Via Yahoo)

The UFC has a way of deciding on the next title challenger. Either the fighter has to be a popular name or have a list of highlight reels. Especially, securing a flashy knockout in their latest fight lets them skip the title contention line. Even the talks of Dustin Poirier fighting Islam Makhachev emerged from the same fact – He knocked Benoit Saint-Denis out cold at UFC 299. As such, the one who produces an exhilarating knockout would likely pass the other to challenge for the title.

As such, a win won’t secure Justin Gaethje or Charles Oliveira a title fight; the way they win matters. Gaethje and Oliveira face Holloway and Tsarukyan at UFC 300, respectively. Both fights have huge stakes in terms of deciding the next title challenger.

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