Charles Oliveira has made it clear he wants to fight Islam Makhachev again after some back and forth with Ilia Topuria online.
The former UFC lightweight champion posted a video on Instagram, urging UFC president Dana White, matchmaker Sean Shelby, and executive Hunter Campbell to arrange a rematch with current champion Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira stated his desire to compete at UFC 317, scheduled for June 28 in Las Vegas as part of International Fight Week. He believes Makhachev also wants the fight and called upon UFC management to make it happen. Oliveira emphasized his ambition to regain the lightweight title, saying, “This is the fight everybody wants to see. I’m ready.”
Oliveira was defeated by Makhachev via submission in October 2022 for the vacant belt. Since then, Oliveira has a record of 2 wins and 1 loss. Makhachev has won four consecutive fights since his victory over Oliveira.
Oliveira reiterated that Makhachev is interested in the rematch, anticipating “a great war.” He once again appealed to Dana White and UFC officials to set up the fight during International Fight Week.
Prior to focusing on Makhachev, Oliveira considered a rematch with Max Holloway for the BMF belt as an alternative. He dismissed the idea of fighting Ilia Topuria, which led to Topuria responding negatively on social media.
Oliveira concluded by referencing fighters who talk excessively in MMA, contrasting it with his own 15-year UFC career, highlighting his records for performance bonuses and submission wins.
