Charles Oliveira, who is eager for another shot at the lightweight title, won’t be ready to face current champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in October. Despite all signs pointing towards Oliveira getting the next opportunity, the Brazilian fighter has revealed that October is too soon for him. He is hoping to face Makhachev later in the year, but it seems unlikely as Makhachev is likely to be a key part of the UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi.
While UFC president Dana White initially stated that Oliveira should be next in line after his win over Beneil Dariush, the promotion will now need to consider alternate plans if the lightweight title is still up for grabs in October. The upcoming UFC 291 main event between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje could be an option, but it remains to be seen until after that fight takes place on July 29.
Oliveira is uncertain about his next move but is willing to wait for the title shot, even if it means sitting out for a bit longer than anticipated. He emphasizes his desire to capture the UFC lightweight title again after it was stripped from him due to missing weight in a fight against Gaethje and failing to reclaim it in his subsequent bout against Makhachev.
“I want to be the champ again, and I will be the champ again,” Oliveira stated. He acknowledges that he is a UFC employee and will wait to see what the promotion decides. He assures that he will be ready in November/December and is confident in his abilities to regain the title.