UFC lightweight supremo Charles Oliveira became the 11th lightweight champion for the promotion at UFC 262. He defeated former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler via TKO in Round 2 to capture the vacant gold.

It was a monumental moment for him and his country as his 11 years of hard work paid dividends. To celebrate the coronation, he returned to Brazil and was greeted with a hero’s welcome.

He has ample time now to sit back and watch the fights unfold to decide his first challenge as a champion. It’s almost a given that either McGregor or Poirier will fight him next.

In a recent interview, Oliveira discussed both his opponents and how a fight with McGregor would fetch him a bigger paycheck.

“Yes, absolutely. Everybody knows it. Anyone that fights Conor (gets) more money in the end,” he said. “But I’ve never fought in UFC thinking about money. I’ve always thought about fighting and making things happen and I won’t change my head now.”

Oliveira further said it would be a great match regardless of whom he faces next. “To me, whoever comes (to fight me), great. If Conor comes, it’s going to be a great fight and a lot of money coming in.

“If Dustin comes, it’s also a great fight and good money coming in — not as much money, but good money. It makes no difference,” he concluded. 

It is a well-known fact that McGregor is still the biggest draw in UFC. Although his performance inside the octagon has taken a hit, he still packs a punch when it comes to generating money. He is the highest-paid athlete after all for this year.

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Charles Oliveira, wary of the striking abilities of Conor and Poirier

The champ, who has now accumulated 9 consecutive wins, is aware of the striking abilities of his next challengers. So he doesn’t have a specific preference for either of them.

“They are both big names, they are both strikers. I have to be careful and work on my stand-up. They are both good fighters and we’ll fight to make history,” he said.

He echoed the fact that a Conor fight sells way more than that with Poirier and brings in loads of money and glamor. However, it seems like the Brazilian isn’t in this business in the hunt for that kind of glory. “Like I said, I’ve never fought for money. I won’t change my humbleness and respect now,” he added.

It will be interesting to see whom he ends up fighting. As a UFC fan, either matchup won’t disappoint at all. But we have to wait till July 10th to get the new title challenger.

Who will end up facing Oliveira?