Charles Oliveira Next Fight: Is ‘Do Bronx’ Going to Fight Islam Makhachev After UFC 309?

Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler 2 in the co-main event of UFC 309, was in many ways, a wildcard entry. That was not a fight anyone asked for. To some, it may even seem like Dana White was essentially rewarding Michael Chandler for staying true to the Conor McGregor fight for the better part of two years. This fight against the #2 ranked lightweight contender is the next best thing for him. But why is Oliveira gambling his divisional standings in New York?

This fight is not just a guaranteed barnburner but an unofficial title eliminator of sorts too. And if you look closely enough, even the loser could walk away without damaging his stocks too much, especially if the loser on Saturday is Charles Oliveria!

Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev 2 if he defeats Michael Chandler?

Should Oliveira come out on top against Chandler at UFC 309, a rematch with Islam Makhachev seems to be the next logical step. This potential matchup has been a hot topic ever since their first encounter. The current lightweight champion, who secured a submission victory over Oliveira at UFC 280, has since established himself as the kingpin of the lightweight division, tying the record for the most lightweight title defenses. Although ‘Do Bronxs’ was set to face Makhachev again at UFC 294, a severe cut during sparring forced the Brazilian fighter to withdraw from the bout.

This setback disappointed many fans, but now it seems like Oliveira is all geared up to fight whoever comes in his path to getting the lightweight title. In a recent interview ahead of UFC 309, ‘Do Bronxs’ said, “The guy who wants to be a champion does not choose opponents. He doesn’t think about who, where, or when. It doesn’t matter. Everyone thinks I’m going after Islam (Makhachev), but I’m not. Islam right now just happens to hold that belt. But there just happens to be the champion right now. Whoever is holding that belt, I’m going to go there. If you want to win a championship, you go wherever it needs to be.”

The next fight for the lightweight title will be between Arman Tsarukyan and Makhachev unless something drastic happens that changes the UFC’s mind. Oliveira having wins over Dustin Poirier (#4) and Justin Gaethje (#3) makes things easier for him if he can beat Chandler (#7) once again.

It looks like Oliveira is definitely not denying a possible rematch against the 26-1-0 fighter. A win over Michael Chandler at UFC 309 would undoubtedly reignite the conversation in the UFC office, making Dana White set the stage for one of the most eagerly anticipated rematches in UFC history with Islam Makhachev. But what happens if ‘Do Bronxs’ unfortunately loses his fight against Chandler? Who does he fight then?

What’s next for Charles Oliveira if he loses at UFC 309?

If the 35-year-old fighter fails to win against Michael Chandler at UFC 309, there are still several exciting matchups for Charles Oliveira that will keep him and his fans highly engaged in the lightweight division. And one of those amazing possibilities in hand is definitely a high-profile fight against ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor. Without a doubt, the Irishman would be a significant draw, as he and his fans have been waiting for him to make his Octagon return since a loss at UFC 264 against Dustin Poirier.

Alternatively, Oliveira could also take on Renato Moicano. Moicano has truly been making his mark in the lightweight division. His black belt in BJJ and Muay Thai makes him a formidable opponent for Oliverira, who is also a Jiu-Jitsu expert. So it would definitely prove who is the better BJJ specialist in the UFC lightweight division and could play a crucial role in determining the next contender for the lightweight title.

Additionally, Oliveira could consider a bout with Max Holloway for the BMF belt. ‘Blessed’ has announced a seemingly permanent move to the lightweight division after getting knocked out by Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 308. “If that fight was ever offered to me, it’d be an honor to share the Octagon with you, bro. You’re a beast,” Holloway said on his YouTube channel.

Oliveira echoed the sentiment during fight week, saying, “I’m about legacy. That’d be great. Why not? As I’m talking about [legacy], I mean, being the BMF champ would be gigantic for that.”

If the two decide to have a fight, it would also become a bout where the two fighters go all out since both would be coming off a loss against their opponents in the main event. So it undoubtedly looks like regardless of the outcome at UFC 309, ‘Do Bronxs’ still has many exciting fights lined up in the UFC. But what do you think would happen? Let us know your predictions in the comments.