Charles Oliveira was confident that a unilateral victory over Tony Ferguson would lead to a shot at the UFC lightweight belt, but Dana White’s recent remark suggesting that a fight between ‘do Bronx’ and Justin Gaethje could happen note that the company may have other plans. for the Brazilian.
However, Oliveira’s team still hopes that the submission box will compete for gold next time.
“I honestly think he deserves to go straight,” Oliveira manager and coach Diego Lima said in an interview with MMA Fighting. ‘He’s won eight in a row, beaten Kevin Lee in a great way and then dominated Ferguson all over – and Ferguson is one of the best in the division, winning 12 straight before losing a title fight – so I think Charles is ready and has enough credibility to fight for the belt. ”
Gaethje was on the roll in the octagon before losing by submission to Khabib Nurmagomedov in a title match at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi. Gaethje is still in 1st place in the official UFC list, with Oliveira sitting in third place behind Dustin Poirier.
The UFC has yet to make a decision on what to do with the 155-pound belt after Nurmagomedov announced his retirement from the sport after defeating Gaethje. Oliveira’s team has a proposal, and it’s about UFC 257 heads Poirier and Conor McGregor, who meet Jan. 23 on Fight Island.
‘With all due respect, Khabib crashed [Gaethje]. That should count, and a lot, ‘said Lima. ‘I believe Charles’ next fight should be against the winner of Poirier and McGregor, not for Justin Gaethje. But we know that this battle between Poirier and McGregor involves many things. We know that winning Poirier means one thing, and winning McGregor changes the whole scenario. I think a lot is at stake in this fight. ”
Oliveira currently has one more game left in his current deal with the UFC, but will not consider fighting the contract. Instead, they are hoping for a good wage in the negotiations after going 8-0 up since June 2018, improving the record for most submissions in UFC history (14) in the process.
“We absolutely want to renew the contract and discuss Charles’ next battle – and if God wills, it will be for the belt,” Lima said. ‘The position he currently has, the amount of profits he has, what he did in his last fight, I think he deserves an upgrade in his wallet. This is more than deserving. Not only for his position on the rankings, but also for his history in the organization.
‘Most bonuses, most finishes, most submissions … He might break two or three records in his next fights. All of this, plus his win over Ferguson, will be very important if we renew the contract. ”
If his wish is not fulfilled and Oliveira has to share the cage with Gaethje in a non-championship match, his coach believes he has the perfect skill to give the former interim title holder another defeat.
“Justin is a tough opponent and I think tough opponents make good fights, like we saw in Charles against Kevin Lee and Ferguson,” Lima said. ‘Charles is ready to win against everyone in the division. Everyone already knows Charles’ basic game, everyone can see his evolution in the struggle and on the feet.
“With all due respect to Gaethje, a difficult man, I see Charles winning on all fronts. If this battle is discussed, we study Gaethje’s game and we will win. ”