After claiming the undisputed UFC lightweight title with a TKO win over Michael Chandler at UFC 262 earlier this month Charles Oliveira is already looking to win another belt.
Oliveira, who was nearly finished by Chandler in the first round, fought back to find the finish in the second and lock down his ninth-straight win at 155 pounds (highlights HERE). While he just captured the title and has a long line of contenders who are itching for a shot at UFC gold, “Do Bronx” is open to dropping back down to featherweight in search of a second UFC title.
If you remember Oliveira fought at 145 pounds under the UFC banner from 2012-2017, but after four failed weight cuts during that span the promotion forced the Brazilian to move up to lightweight. Oliveira didn’t necessarily like the decision, but it ultimately paid off in the form of a UFC championship.
It’s been nearly five years since Oliveira competed at featherweight but he’d be willing to make the cut again if given the proper amount of time. Oliveira would also need to fight for the title in his return to the division so he has a chance of becoming double champ.
“If I have the opportunity to fight directly for the title, giving me time to do that, I would do well,” Oliveira told Combate. “Today I have a good nutritionist, a good team that will help me with this and make it happen. But only if it was straight for the title.”
Oliveira hasn’t lost at lightweight since 2017 and if he’s able to get through the next set of lightweight contenders, which includes Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, and Justin Gaethje, then maybe the promotion lets him take another shot at 145 pounds. The current UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski is scheduled to fight top contender Brian Ortega later this year. Either fighter would be a great opponent for Oliveira if he decided to drop back down one final time.
What do you think, fight fans? Would Oliveira win another UFC title if he dropped back down to featherweight?
Sound off!