Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has claimed he will face Conor McGregor if the opportunity arises, despite an anticipated title match against Islam Makhachev, adding he’ll oblige at any weight McGregor wants for the fight.
Charles Oliveira is currently preparing to fight for the UFC lightweight title against Islam Makhachev, but he hasn’t stopped yearning for a fight with Conor McGregor. The ex-UFC lightweight champ spoke about his recent online argument with McGregor on Monday, insisting that he’s not setting up any obstacles to prevent a future match. “What’s happening is that I’m here — I’m just waiting for him,” Oliveira expressed through a translator, Luciana Andrade, during Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour. “All he needs to do is tell me the place and the time, and I’ll be there.”
After defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 274, a match that could have marked Oliveira’s second title defense if not for a scale miss that cost him the lightweight belt, Oliveira challenged McGregor. McGregor was quick to respond, igniting an intermittent exchange between the two. However, McGregor has lately shifted his focus to a match with Gaethje, who secured the “BMF” title at UFC 291 by knocking out McGregor’s three-time opponent, Dustin Poirier. This left McGregor’s predicted next adversary, The Ultimate Fighter 31 rival, Michael Chandler, in a predicament.
Given McGregor’s tendency to verbally attack multiple MMA stars, Oliveira cannot be certain if their recent exchanges will result in a future confrontation. All he can confirm is that he’s ready if the chance arises. “I don’t know, I’m here — where is Conor?” Oliveira queried. McGregor is anticipated to make his return in early 2024. Meanwhile, Oliveira is set to have a rematch with Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 294 in October. Despite Oliveira’s efforts to have the bout moved to an event planned for his home country, Brazil, in November, the match was instead scheduled for Abu Dhabi.
Oliveira anticipates that he will utilize the knowledge gained from his previous submission loss to Makhachev to regain the title. If that happens, McGregor’s voice will almost certainly be heard. Regardless of the category “The Notorious” prefers, Oliveira assures he is ready. “170, 183 [pounds], doesn’t matter,” Oliveira stated. “All he needs to do is stop and do it.”