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#2. Increased risk in the welterweight division
Despite the incredible string of results we have seen from Charles Oliveira, he has been caught with some big shots in the majority of these fights. Conor McGregor is one of the most powerful strikers the sport has ever seen and will only hit harder at 170lbs than he would at 155lbs.
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Ever since a potential match-up between Oliveira and McGregor was teased, many have suggested 'The Notorious' would have a good chance in this fight. His left hand has changed the course of several fights at both featherweight and lightweight. That shot at welterweight could have devastating consequences.
Since this is already a somewhat favorable match-up stylistically for Conor McGregor, giving him a further advantage could be a big mistake. The additional weight would only increase the Irish fighter's chances further, whilst it would do little for Oliveira given the way he fights.
#1. The UFC lightweight championship
If Charles Oliveira was still the UFC lightweight champion, it would make complete sense for him to fight Conor McGregor at welterweight. It would be incredibly lucrative for him and even if he were to lose, he would still have plenty of big fights to go back to at 155lbs.
However, that is not the case. Oliveira has been stripped and would stand to lose too much were he to lose this fight. He simply must focus on getting back the title he never lost before he can focus on big-money fights. He can't risk losing a fight at welterweight and falling back into the mid-field in the 155lbs division.
Oliveira currently has the luxury of being guaranteed a spot in whatever match-up the UFC decides to put together for the vacant lightweight title. He could face Islam Makhachev, Alexander Volkanovski, or even Conor McGregor in that fight. Should he win that, he can then entertain any opponent he chooses.
