Charles Oliveira could fight Islam Makhachev next according to Dana White. Photo: Troy Taormina – USA TODAY Sports
Former lightweight champion Charles “do Bronx” Oliveira might fight Islam Makhachev for the title next.
That’s according to UFC president Dana White who claimed the rematch is definitely the fight to make next.
“I’m excited for him and Islam to fight again,” White just said at the UFC 289 post-fight presser. “I’m just saying that makes sense, I’ll tell you on Tuesday. But I mean, let’s not play games, that fight makes sense, it’s the fight that should happen and I’m excited to see it again.”
The pair clashed for the vacant UFC lightweight championship this past October in a fight that Makhachev won via a second-round submission.
“I’m just telling you right here right now it’s a fight I like to see,” White said about the rematch.
The former champion is more than ready to take on Makhachev again.
“He’s got the belt. I want to be the champion so I have to go through him. Of course I want to fight him,” Oliveira said at the UFC 289 post-fight presser.
Just after the Brazilian’s wins, the reigning champion took to Twitter for a comment.
“Congrats Charles. But still there’s levels in this game,” Makhachev said.
Congrats Charles. But still there’s levels in this game 😎
With the win at UFC 289 Charles Oliveira extended his UFC record for most finishes (20). During his long career he finished the absolute elite of the stacked lightweight division like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier and Beneil Dariush.