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Charles Oliveira’s dream run in the UFC continued with his successful title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269.
Oliveira’s meteoric rise from the favelas of Brazil to the top of the UFC lightweight division has been inspirational to say the least. He fell to 10-8 in the UFC following his loss to Paul Felder in 2017, before turning things around. 'Do Bronx' hasn’t looked back since.
Known for his durability and grappling, Oliveira came into the fight riding a nine-fight winning streak and defeated Poirier with finesse. After dominating ‘The Diamond’ on the ground in the second round, Oliveira secured a rear-naked choke in the third round to retain his lightweight title.
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Having run through the likes of Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier, fans are already wondering who he’ll fight next.
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Here are five possible matchups for ‘Do Bronx’ post UFC 269.
#5. Charles Oliveira vs. Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor is the pay-per-view king of the UFC. Win or lose, a fight with 'The Notorious' is always a good opportunity for a fighter to earn a huge payday.
Despite being in the UFC for 11 years, Charles Oliveira has never crossed paths with the UFC's first champ-champ. Having firmly cemented his place as the best at 155lbs, Oliveira would be part of the biggest event of his career if he faces McGregor next.
Given McGregor's latest title shot at UFC 229 amassed 2.4 million pay-per-view buys - the highest for the UFC to date - the promotion could add another moneymaker to its name with a Conor McGregor vs. Charles Oliveira fight.
Following Charles Oliveira’s win over Dustin Poirier, McGregor took to Twitter to send a message to the UFC, saying that he is ready to take on the UFC lightweight champion.
Oliveira responded to McGregor's call out stating that he is 'ready' to fight him 'this weekend'.
The Irishman has had a tumultuous ride in the octagon since returning to the UFC in 2018. With one win and three losses, McGregor is aching to get back to winning ways and stomp his authority in the division.
Currently nursing a leg injury that he sustained at UFC 264 against Dustin Poirier, McGregor’s not likely to get a title shot right upon returning to the UFC. However, considering that he's arguably the face of the UFC, it wouldn’t be surprising if Dana White gives 'The Notorious' the chance at gold.
#4. Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler 2
The last time Charles Oliveira took on Michael Chandler, the vacant lightweight title was on the line at UFC 262. The Brazilian had to overcome a jittery start to knock out the American in the second round, earning his first UFC title in the process.
The bout was a short one but it proved to be entertaining. 'Iron' kicked off the first round offensively, trying to penetrate Oliveira’s defense. He was moments away from becoming lightweight champion when he knocked down Oliveira and nearly secured the finish at the end of the round.
Unfortunately for Chandler, Oliveira started the second round strong, and landed a strong left hand to knock him out.
His next fight against Justin Gaethje was one of the most exciting fights of the year. It was a three-round slugfest where ‘Iron’ showed tremendous determination to overcome ‘The Highlight’.
Despite back-to-back losses, Chandler has given both Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje - the top fighters in the division - a run for their money.
Needless to say then, a rematch between Chandler and Oliveira could be a huge draw for fans.
#3. Charles Oliveira vs. Max Holloway 2
Max Holloway is one of the most well-rounded strikers in the UFC and has never been knocked out in his UFC career. He faced Charles Oliveira in 2015 at UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Oliveira and won via first-round TKO.
Both fighters have come a long way since then. Holloway went on to rule the featherweight division for three years until his loss to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 245. Meanwhile, Oliveira finally got his hands on gold, winning the lightweight title earlier this year.
With both fighters enjoying a hot run in their respective careers, a rematch between Holloway and Oliveira will be yet another money fight for the promotion.
It would also be another opportunity for Holloway to earn the UFC lightweight title. He lost against Dustin Poirier in 2019 in a bid for the interim lightweight crown.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani earlier this year, Holloway said he wanted to finish his career in the lightweight or welterweight division.
"For sure... I think I'll end my career around a fully committed 55 [lightweight] or maybe even a fully committed 70 [welterweight]."
Watch Max Holloway discuss a potential return to the lightweight division here:
With Holloway being open to moving up in weight, a rematch with Charles Oliveira seems more realistic than ever.
#2. Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje
With Dustin Poirier failing to dethrone Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje seems to be the most likely matchup for Oliveira next.
The American was present at UFC 269 and congratulated Charles Oliveira after the win.
Speaking to ESPN MMA soon after, Gaethje expressed his admiration for Charles Oliveira before sending a warning to him.
“I saw a competitor tonight. I saw a dog and I can’t wait to break his face. He gets hit a lot. He better pray and hope for the next however many days until our fight that he takes me down, gets his choke. Because if not, we see what happens.”
Throwing light on the nature of the fight, Gaethje continued:
“He just won a championship. I should build it up. At the end of the day, it’s me trying to knock him out versus him trying to get it to the ground. That’s who we are. That’s who he’s been. That’s who I am. Whether it’s in Brazil, in America, preferably not Abu Dhabi. I’m all in. So I can’t wait.”
Watch Justin Gaethje talk about a fight with Charles Oliveira here:
Arguably one of the best strikers in the lightweight division, Gaethje has 19 knockout wins in his career and has only been submitted once. The sole loss by submission came against former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 254 in 2020.
Under Trevor Wittman's tutelage, Gaethje's striking game has reached new heights. Considering the contrast in their fighting styles, a Gaethje vs. Oliveira fight would be an interesting one. While 'The Highlight' will have a standing advantage, 'Do Bronx' will pose problems for him on the ground.
#1. Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev
Charles Oliveira is one of the best grapplers in UFC history. With fifteen finishes via submission, 'Do Bronx' holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC history.
Considering the way the Brazilian has dominated his opponents on the ground, it’s only fair to match him up with someone equally if not more competent at ground fighting - Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev is currently the No.4-ranked fighter in the lightweight division, and has been hailed as the next Khabib. Like his longtime friend and training partner, Makhachev is phenomenal on the ground.
Makhachev has five submission wins in his UFC career - the same as Khabib Nurmagomedov. Additionally, he has never been submitted in his entire career. His lone defeat came via knockout at UFC 192 to to Adriano Martins.
Currently on a nine-fight winning streak, the Russian has taken giant strides in the lightweight division and will face No.3-ranked Beneil Dariush in a title eliminator next February.
Congratulating Charles Oliviera after UFC 269, Islam Makhachev made his intentions clear on social media about the title fight with the Brazilian.
Should Makhachev defeat Dariush, he would be earning himself a fight with Charles Oliveira - who is yet to be challenged on the ground. The fight is one of the best stylistic matchups the UFC can make.
