Charles Oliveira has set his sights on a return to the Octagon, and he isn’t going to wait for the right opportunity. With UFC 317 happening during International Fight Week, the former lightweight champion has stated that June 28 is his ideal date to return to action. According to his head coach, Diego Lima, ‘Do Bronx’ wants to fight twice in 2025; therefore, a summer clash is important to his ambitions. However, there is one huge catch: he isn’t looking for just any fight. Oliveira wants a high-profile clash, and his decision may shake up the entire lightweight division.

Following Justin Gaethje‘s brutal performance at UFC 313, Oliveira’s route to a title opportunity could get much more complicated. The Brazilian has been pushing for another go at Islam Makhachev, but with Gaethje’s stock skyrocketing, Oliveira may have to pass through another strong competitor first. Diego Lima confirmed the situation, noting that while they are pursuing UFC 317, the opponent remains unknown. “If we don’t have the BMF or the title, I wouldn’t know if we would fight,” Lima told Álvaro Colmenero.

The message is clear: Oliveira will not enter the cage unless the stakes are high. Oliveira’s possible opponents include Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier. Both fighters have fought the Brazilian before, are renowned PPV draws, and might provide Oliveira with the high-stakes showdown he seeks. “Maybe Justin Gaethje, who had a great fight and sells a lot, or a new fight with Dustin Poirier, who sells a lot.”. Given Gaethje’s momentum and Poirier’s star power, either fight might be a main-event contender.

But Charles Oliveira’s objectives go beyond just another big fight; he wants to reclaim his place at the top of the lightweight category. Ilia Topuria’s recent shift to 155 pounds adds to the drama. The undefeated featherweight champion has made it clear that he is looking for the biggest names, and ‘Do Bronx’ fits that description. If the fighter from the favelas is unable to secure a fight against Gaethje or ‘The Diamond,’ maybe the UFC will bring Ilia Topuria into the mix? With so many shifting pieces in the lightweight division, Oliveira’s comeback at UFC 317 might be a turning point in the title race. However, fans have already chosen their picks for Oliveira’s big fight.

Fans name their best picks for a fight against Charles Oliveira

As soon as the news of Charles Oliveira wanting a big fight hit the internet, fans made sure that their voices were heard out loud as they commented on the names of their picks. One of the top names that obviously came on top was that of Ilia Topuria. After all, ‘El Matador’ came to the lightweight division to look for a new challenge. Considering that he has yet to fight his first match in the new weight class, he would need a challenge before he can go one-on-one against Islam Makhachev for the title. So who better than Charles Oliveira to go against? Taking to the comments, many fans made their thoughts known that it is ‘El Matador’ vs. ‘Do Bronx’ that they want. They wrote, “We want Topuria vs. Charles.” “Bro, give him Ilia,” “Ilia needs to start at some point in this division; UFC will use Charles,” and “Ilia vs. Charles 👀.”

Many fans were also drawn to the name Max Holloway. The former featherweight champion’s increasing interest in lightweight fights made him an obvious pick, with fans keen to see him face Oliveira. They shared in the comments, “Max vs. Charles 2 absolute classic; idk who wins; I’d lean Max, but I can see Charles easily,” a fan wrote. Another added, “I’d much rather see Max vs. Charles than Max vs. Dustin again.” Many others believe Holloway deserves the high-profile fight, with comments like “Most reasonable is either Max or a rematch with Arman for the No. 1 contender spot” supporting the narrative.

Meanwhile, another strong contender that found a lot of support from the fans is Arman Tsarukyan. Following his untimely withdrawal from UFC 311 due to injury, Tsarukyan has been looking to regain his No. 1 contender position, and many believe a rematch with Oliveira makes the most sense. A fan suggested an Arman rematch for 5 rounds. “Arman rematch only makes sense… but this time five rounds,” while another advocated for a Tsarukyan 2 co-main event for a title opportunity, “Tsarukyan 2 five-round co-main event for the title shot.” With UFC CEO Dana White ruling out Tsarukyan’s imminent title opportunity, a bout with Oliveira might serve as the ideal proving ground for both competitors. So, what do you think? Who will it be? Let us know in the comments.