Charles Oliveira eyes UFC title shot, wants answers from Justin Gaethje

Charles Oliveira is targeting a shot at the Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight title after his next bout.

Oliveira is scheduled to defend his BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While preparing for that matchup, “do Bronxs” has weighed in on the lightweight title picture and the future of reigning champion Justin Gaethje, whom he previously defeated.

Oliveira acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Gaethje’s future in an interview with Sherdog. He said the UFC needs to establish whether “The Highlight” intends to defend his title. Gaethje has discussed retirement and a potential bout against Conor McGregor.

“The first step is for the UFC to sit down with Gaethje and find out exactly what he plans to do,” Oliveira told Sherdog’s Marcelo Alonso. “He says he won’t fight this year, but that he would if it were against Conor. Then he starts talking about retirement. If I get past Diego, I think my name carries weight, and I believe I’ll be next in line for a shot at the undisputed title.”

Oliveira acknowledged that Arman Tsarukyan also deserves a title shot and envisioned a rematch against “The Batman” if Gaethje vacates the belt.

“Obviously, Arman deserves it too,” Oliveira added. “But I think the first step is for the UFC to find out whether Gaethje is retiring or continuing to fight. If he doesn’t retire, it could be Arman or me against Gaethje. If he retires, then it’s me and Arman fighting for the vacant title.”

Oliveira also addressed criticism that his grappling-heavy victory over Max Holloway in his last bout did not suit the BMF title. The former UFC lightweight champion said he is unbothered by public opinion and focused on winning. He also argued that no one had neutralized Holloway as effectively as he did.

“Anyone who truly understands fighting, with all due respect to Max, knows that what I did to him is something no other fighter has done,” Oliveira added. “I completely neutralized his game. So, I don’t care what people say. At the end of the day, all I care about is whether my Sherdog record shows a win or a loss. I’m fighting more strategically, with greater awareness and without doing anything crazy.”