Charles Oliveira made sure that everyone who tuned in to watch UFC 256 knew that he is a problem for the top fighters of the division. Oliveira announced that he belongs in the top five of arguably the UFC’s most loaded division. He is now targeting the winner of Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier.
Oliveira displayed a masterful performance against Tony Ferguson en route to a unanimous decision victory. With the uncertain status regarding the return of divisional champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, the lightweight title picture isn’t very clear. However, former interim champ Poirier feels his fight at UFC 257 should be for the title.
Poirier and Oliveira have one thing in common. They both believe that Khabib Nurmagomedov won’t return to the UFC. On top of it, Oliveira took to Twitter to announce that a fight against the winner of Poirier vs McGregor is on his wishlist.
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Charles Oliveira vs. the winner of McGregor/Poirier for the 155 belt.#espnplus #UFC https://t.co/HqJ7550toD
— Charles Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) December 24, 2020
The fate of the lightweight title hinges on what Khabib Nurmagomedov decides to do
The 155-pounds division has witnessed a sense of stability at the throne ever since ‘The Eagle’ sat on it. With three title defenses, which make up for one of the best three-fight stretches in the sport, Nurmagomedov has established his status as the undisputed champion. However, his retirement while being at the top came as a shock for everyone.
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Despite his decision, Dana White has been optimistic about his return for one more fight. If he does so, the most logical opponent for him will be the winner of Poirier vs McGregor. If the stars align for a rematch between him and ‘The Notorious One’, make no doubts about the fact that UFC will promote it as one of the biggest grudge matches in UFC history.
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In either case, Oliveira doesn’t have the odds in his favor for a title shot in his next outing. A fight with the winner of the currently targeted Dan Hooker vs Michael Chandler makes all the more sense for him. Riding a hot eight-fight win streak in the division, Oliveira should look to carry forward the momentum towards a title shot.