The lightweight division faces a blockade. The UFC’s crown jewel is perhaps the most shark-infested weight class and its future seems murky as of now. After all, a litany of contenders has made it nigh impossible to book a matchup that would satisfy the stakes, the money, and the fighters themselves. So, who is it gonna be? The soon-to-be former 145lbs Ilia Topuria? The perennial force that is Justin Gaethje? Or will we finally witness Charles Oliveira get the nod for a long-time-due rematch with the champ?

Well, ‘Do Bronx’ has decided to make sure that everyone, including White and Co., knows what the Brazilian wants. And it’s pretty simple! Islam Makhachev at UFC 317 in June during International Fight Week.

“Hey everyone, good morning, afternoon, or evening! In the UFC and MMA, many guys are talking too much about history in the UFC. I can speak on this, I’ve been here for 15 years. Most bonuses, finishes, record breaker, that’s me! Got it? I want to fight on International Fight Week, [against] Makhachev too. Dana, Sean Shelby, Hunter, make it happen. I really want this fight. I’m after that belt, I want to be champ again,” the former 155lbs champ stated emphatically on social media.

“I’m ready to write history one more time. UFC, let’s make this happen! This is the fight everyone wants to see. I’m ready. Makhachev’s talking big about wanting this fight, so it’ll be a war for sure. Is this the fight you want? It’s the fight you’ll get. Dana, UFC, Sean, Hunter, let’s make it happen. Just give me a call,” he pleaded.

Indeed, Makhachev-Oliveira is a pretty mouth-watering fight, which is sure to go down very well with fans. And ‘Do Bronx’ definitely deserves it. After all, a rematch has been in order since the Brazilian lost his title to the Dagestani at UFC 280 in October 2022. The usually explosive and dynamic Oliveira, who holds the record for the most finishes in UFC history, looked pretty flat against Makhachev and got submitted by him.

“It wasn’t me, I wasn’t there,” he said after the fight and promised to right this wrong in the rematch. Indeed, a rematch was set for UFC 294 two years ago, but ‘Do Bronx’ pulled out due to injury. Moreover, there are not many title contenders at 155lbs now. Since Arman Tsarukyan has been sent out to pasture by Dana White, it’s either Oliveira or Justin Gaethje. And for all the reasons we have mentioned, many think ‘Do Bronx’ is the more deserving of the two to get a title shot. However, there is just one problem.

Would Islam Makhachev accept Charles Oliveira’s call-out?

Despite what Oliveira claimed in the video, Islam Makhachev does not want to fight him. The only thing the champ has said about a ‘Do Bronx’ rematch is that he would rather not. Why? Well, because the Dagestani isn’t really interested in rematching people he’s already defeated.

“I like this idea because I haven’t fought Justin yet… I’ve already fought [Oliveira and Arman], and preparing for the same opponent is not such a big motivation. But if Gaethje shows himself well in the next fight, we can meet,” Makhachev told Russian outlet ‘Ushtayaka’ in a recent interview.

Indeed, Gaethje did ‘show himself well’ in the next fight, by which the champ meant his UFC 313 clash against Rafael Fiziev. And since the UFC champions do get a say in who they fight next, ‘Do Bronx’ is probably not going to get to fight Makhachev at UFC 317 on International Fight Week. Unless, of course, the Dagestani changes his mind and does a complete 180. What do you think about Charles Oliveira demanding a title rematch with Islam Makhachev?