Former UFC lightweight title holder Charles ‘do Bronx’ Oliveira has his sights set on a massive fight against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, should things go the Brazilian’s way this weekend.
Oliveira fights for the vacant UFC lightweight title this weekend when he faces Russian Islam Makhachev, although most fans consider Charles to be the holder of that belt despite the weigh-in controversy at UFC 274.
In a recent pre-fight presser for UFC 280, Charles confirmed that he wants a fight with Alexander Volkanovski in what would be a return back down to 145 pounds for “do Bronx”.
Charles Oliveira Wants Double Champ Status
“First of all we’re gonna focus on what’s going to happen here, on this prize particularly.” Oliveira said.
“My timing is to actually fight in Brazil afterward. If we’re gonna make this happen with Volkanovski, we’re going to have it two ways.” he continued.
“We are going to fight at 70kg and then we’re going to fight at 66kg at the end of the year. So we are going to fight in two weight divisions.”
“I can fight [in Australia] in February but for this belt. Surely, I have a great team for this, to get down to 66kg.”
The featherweight champ Volkanovski is a back-up fighter for UFC 280’s main event, ready to jump in if an issue stops Oliveira or Makhachev from competing.
A Return to Featherweight for Oliveira
Oliveira fought at featherweight from 2012-2016, going 7-5* in the division.
His best run of form at 145 came when he beat Andy Ogle, Hatsu Hioki, Jeremy Stephens and Nik Lentz, with three of those coming via submission.
Eventually, a loss to Anthony Pettis saw Charles make a move back up to the lightweight division, which has been his home ever since.
Do you think this super-fight will happen?
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