Charles Oliveira opens up and issues a statement on UFC 280 lightweight title fight loss to Islam Makhachev.
On Saturday past Islam Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira and achieved a lifelong dream by becoming the undisputed UFC lightweight champion. The victory closed the curtain on the Brazilian’s 11-fight win streak and furthered his own streak to 11-wins without defeat.
Oliveira posted a post-fight statement to his worldwide fans and native homeland of Brazil and apologised deeply for not showing up on the night.
Charles Oliveira Issues Statement Following UFC 280 Defeat
“Hey everyone from Brazil and the rest of the world, everyone that supported me and cheered me on,” he said. “I just wanted to pass by here to send out a message and simply apologize. I believe that everything I did in training was done right, including the weight cut, but yesterday I wasn’t able to find myself in the fight. Yesterday, Islam was better than I was in terms of timing and did an overall better fight, coming out as champion.
“I haven’t even slept yet because naturally I’ve been reflecting on everything that happened.
“Thank you, thank you so much to all the people that have sent me both positive and negative messages. The criticism is all part of this crazy sport. I’ll go home now and I’ll dedicate myself, train and conquer once again. So thank you again to everyone that texted me.
“Emotionally, I’m sad for not having done my best,” he continued. “But everyone knows about my faith and that I believe in God. I believe God has something bigger planned for me. So I’m sorry for disappointing my whole nation and everyone who believed in me winning this fight, which unfortunately didn’t happen. Thank you so, so much. I will dedicate myself and return stronger and conquer to please everyone.” (H/T XcellentMMA)
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