Charles Oliveira did not hold back as he gave a blunt take on the UFC BMF title. Oliveira captured the title with a dominant unanimous decision win over Max Holloway at UFC 326.
Fans criticized the bout for not living up to what the BMF title represents. However, ‘Do Bronx’ remained adamant about sticking to his strategy and securing the victory. There was a lot at stake, as the winner would insert themselves into the lightweight title picture.
The BMF title was originally contested at welterweight but was later brought back at lightweight. While Oliveira won the title at 155 pounds, he acknowledged potential opponents if the UFC wants him to defend at welterweight.
Despite complaints about the BMF title being contested at lightweight, ‘Do Bronx’ admitted there will always be criticism.
“To be completely honest, we’re never going to please everyone. In the [welterweight] division, for sure, there’s Conor [McGregor], who keeps talking about the belt. There’s Nate Diaz, who said that belt is his, which I didn’t understand, seeing as he fought for it and lost,” Oliveira exclusively told Heavy Sports via CasinoHawks.
He added: “We’ve got to think very carefully about what the next step should be and understand what we’re going to do.”
Charles Oliveira Addresses Potential UFC BMF Title Fight at Welterweight
Charles Oliveira also addressed whether he would be willing to defend his newly won UFC BMF title at welterweight.
Since his title win, there has been plenty of speculation about the future of the BMF title. Oliveira will have to wait and see what unfolds between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan is viewed as the next in line for a title shot.
Oliveira stated that regaining the lightweight championship remains his top priority. After Topuria and Gaethje compete at the White House on Jun. 14, he will evaluate his options. One option could include a move up to 170 pounds.
“In June, [Topuria and Gaethje] are going to unify the [lightweight] belt. And then there are loads of ‘ifs.’ If Topuria wins, which I think he does, does he move up a weight class and vacate the belt?” Oliveira exclusively told Heavy Sports via CasinoHawks.”Conor is coming back now, saying he wants to fight me. Nate Diaz said it as well. So there are loads of ‘ifs.’ I’m here just watching, trying to understand what the next step will be.”
Oliveira Says UFC Will Determine His Next Fight
Oliveira also said that the UFC will ultimately determine who he fights next rather than him requesting a specific opponent.
‘Do Bronx’ stated that a lightweight title fight could be next for him. Oliveira could realistically face Tsarukyan for the vacant lightweight title if ‘El Matador’ pursues a bout with Islam Makhachev.
Whether that materializes or not will depend on the UFC matchmakers.
“Would I fight Arman next? I’m focused on fighting for the title, that’s the reality. I work for TKO. Whatever TKO tells me to do, we’ll line it up, reach a good overall agreement, and we’ll do it. They know I’m interested in fighting for the [lightweight] title,” Oliveira exclusively told Heavy Sports via CasinoHawks. “Does the UFC really want that fight with Tsarukyan? So again, there’s a lot of ‘ifs.’”
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