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Diego Lima, coach of Charles Oliveira, has debunked the news that 'do Bronx' was offered a rematch with Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira faced Makhachev for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 280 in October. The pair's bout was seen as a battle between the two best fighters in the 155lbs division as fans believed both men were worthy of being champions.
The Russian contender was dominant from the offset, winning both the stand-up and ground exchanges against the Brazilian. Fans had hoped to see Oliveira rally in the second, but Makhachev's sambo wrestling proved too much as he submitted the Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert in the second round to become the champion.
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News recently surfaced that Charles Oliveira was offered an immediate rematch against Islam Makhachev in his home country of Brazil at UFC 283.
Coach Diego Lima has since confirmed this isn't true and that 'do Bronx' was offered a different opponent instead:
"Guys, the rematch was not offered to Charles as some websites are saying, this information is not true. Charles would have the opportunity to fight in Brazil, but it would not be a rematch. It would be another opponent."
UFC 283 is set to be the first pay-per-view of 2023 and its main event features the fourth clash between flyweights Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno for the title. The event will take place in Rio de Janeiro on January 21. As of now, Oliveira is yet to be confirmed for the card.
Justin Gaethje open to rematch against Charles Oliveira
Justin Gaethje recently weighed in on his next opponents whilst discussing his future.
According to 'The Highlight', a rematch against Charles Oliveira or a bout with Rafael Fiziev are two possibilities for him. However, Gaethje insisted that it is up to his management and coaching team to figure out what's the best step.
'The Highlight' hasn't stepped into the octagon since his main-event bout with Charles Oliveira at UFC 274. 'Do Bronx' missed weight prior to the fight and was stripped of the title, meaning only Gaethje was eligible to win the belt. He was unable to capitalize on his opportunity and lost to the Brazilian via a first-round rear-naked choke.
Speaking to reporters at media day for UFC 281, 'The Highlight' said:
"[Oliveira and Fiziev] both make just as much sense to me right now. I need two wins, doesn't matter who. They are gonna be big fights. I don't wanna fight just anybody, obviously. Both of those guys are possible fights for my next fight. But again, my job is to stay out of my emotions. If I think about those fights, I get emotional. Because that's who we are as humans. I have to put the responsibility on the people that I trust, which is my coach, my manager."
Watch the clip here (via MMA Junkie's Twitter):
