Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Charles Oliveira during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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“This Is The Fight Everyone Wants To See” – Charles Oliveira Demands This Opponent For His Next Fight

Charles Oliveira reveals that after his legendary career in the UFC, he is entitled to his preferred fight next!

Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Charles Oliveira during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The drama between MMA‘s biggest stars never dies down. Charles Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion known for his submission skills and incredible career resilience, has made his intentions crystal clear. After years of climbing the ranks and breaking UFC records, ‘Do Bronx’ isn’t interested in playing games with up-and-coming challengers like Ilia Topuria. Instead, he is setting his sights straight for the top.

Oliveira’s journey in the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a skinny kid from Brazil, he’s transformed himself into one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. With the most finishes and bonus awards in UFC history, his resume speaks volumes. His recent victory over Michael Chandler has put him right back in the title conversation, a position he is familiar with after having held the lightweight belt before losing it to current champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 280.

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Chares Oliveira Speaks Out

Oliveira is known for being friendly with everyone and doesn’t really trash talk his opponents. But this time, he was passionate. In an Instagram story, Oliveira directed his message straight to the UFC brass – Dana White, Sean Shelby, and Hunter Campbell.

“Hey everyone, good morning, afternoon, or evening! In the UFC and MMA, many guys are talking too much about history in the UFC. I can speak on this, I’ve been here for 15 years. Most bonuses, finishes, record breaker, that’s me! Got it? I want to fight on International Fight Week, [against] Makhachev too,Dana, Sean Shelby, Hunter, make it happen. I really want this fight. I’m after that belt.”

🚨 Charles Oliveira calls for a title fight against Islam Makhachev at #UFC317 during International Fight Week 👀

"The UFC has a lot of guys who talk a big game. I can talk because I've been here for almost 15 years…

I want to fight during International Fight Week, Makhachev… pic.twitter.com/VZjl2BWFkD
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 23, 2025

His plea cuts through the noise of other contenders, including Ilia Topuria, who recently vacated his featherweight title to move up to lightweight. Ilia Topuria had told Oliveira to “stay quiet” while proclaiming himself the “father” of the division, but Oliveira wasn’t taking the bait.

Charles, it's better if you stay quiet. You have 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 1 by decision. You are the contender, while I am the champion, the father of the entire division. I haven't come here to ask anything. Here, I am the one in charge.
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 22, 2025

The lightweight division is currently in flux with multiple worthy challengers. Arman Tsarukyan’s path to another title shot has been delayed, while Topuria is making bold claims despite having only one fight at lightweight (against Jai Herbert) in his UFC career. Meanwhile, Makhachev is expected to return this summer after successfully defending his title against Renato Moicano at UFC 311.

Oliveira’s request for a rematch with Makhachev comes with some unfinished business. Their first encounter at UFC 280 came after Oliveira had been controversially stripped of his title due to a weight-cutting mishap at UFC 274. Many fans feel he deserves another crack at the championship that he never truly lost in the cage.

The Hard Decision For Matchmakers

The UFC matchmakers now face a tough decision. Do they give the title shot to Oliveira based on his legendary status and recent win? Or does Topuria, with all his hype and undefeated record, jump the line? Perhaps a number one contender fight between Oliveira and Topuria makes the most sense, with the winner getting Makhachev.

Whatever happens next, one thing is certain. Charles Oliveira isn’t waiting around. After fifteen years in the UFC, breaking records and defying odds, he is calling his shot. Oliveira’s direct appeal to the UFC leadership might just be the smartest move he could make. The ball is now in their court to decide if “the fight everyone wants to see” will actually happen!

(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)

Charles Oliveira

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!