Charles Oliveira, a former undisputed lightweight champion, has expressed his disappointment that his championship rematch with Islam Makahchev is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Despite this, he is still certain that he will win gold and reclaim the title that he believes is still his.
After having his division-best 12-fight winning streak stopped by Makhachev in October of last year, Oliveira, a former undisputed champion at the weight class, managed to return to the winner’s circle in the co-main event of UFC 289 back in June.
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Charles Oliveira Says The Title Is His Against Islam Makhachev
Oliveira earned his first victory while competing in Canada for the promotion by dispatching the advancing Beneil Dariush in the first round with a barrage of ground strikes.
Questioning why the Middle East, where the current champion still has a sizable fan base, must host his much-anticipated title rematch with Makhachev, Oliveira expressed his discontent but insisted he would win the title regardless of the venue.
“You know, that’s where the champion is,” Charles Oliveira told James Lynch during a recent interview through a translator. “He (Islam Makhachev) calls the shots, but I’m coming back for my belt.”
Oliveira won consecutive submission victories over former interim titleholders Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje during his championship tenure, which started with a shocking come-from-behind knockout victory against Michael Chandler.
As for Makhachev, the Russian grappling phenom won a close, unanimous decision victory against Alexander Volkanovski, the top-ranked featherweight in the world and opponent in the main event of UFC 284 in February of this year in Perth, Australia.
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