“UFC Can’t Miss This Year” – Fans React After UFC Announces Charles Oliveira’s Next Fight

Charles Oliveira is making a return to the cage after his last upset against Islam Makhachev. Although that upset cost him his 11-fight win streak, that is not something the Brazilian is letting himself held back with. The match-up between Oliveira and Beneil Dariush has just been announced to UFC 288 in May, and it’s causing a storm in the MMA world. Dariush coming off a commanding win against Mateusz Gamrot and sporting an impressive 8-fight winning streak and is yearning for a title shot.

‘Do Bronx’, however, may have slipped the grasp on the streak, but that doesn’t put him under any question whatsoever. This face-off between two fan-favorites has got the MMA community talking, with opinions divided as to who to throw their hat in the ring for. The news has caused a stir online, with social media lighting up with reactions.

Fans can’t decide whom to root for

Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush are bringing their A-game to the octagon in a highly anticipated grappling showdown. This fight promises to be a top-notch display of grappling skills and the best that fans could’ve asked for. With both fighters being fan favorites and in top form, the excitement among fans is at an all-time high; something that is clearly reflected in their reactions to the announcement.

Check out how the fans responded to this banger announcement:

“the battle of grappling specialists”

“Feel bad for whoever losses this one tbh but hope Charles wins so we can see Islam rematch”

“Damn it I don’t want either to lose”

“Beneil is about to make everyone put respect on his name”

“gotta be a number one contender fight surely”

“UFC can’t miss this year”

Read more: Chaos Erupts in MMA World as Charles Oliveira Heads to Australia for UFC 284: “Backup Should Have Been Either Poirier or Dariush”

“Who else does Dariush needs to beat to prove he’s the number 1 contender?”

“I love DoBronx but i would love to see Dariush win and fight Makhachev”

“The Real no1 and no2 contenders”

The anticipation for this match-up is reaching heights and grappling enthusiasts are ready to see these two fighters go head-to-head. However, for ‘Do Bronx’, this fight is just an access pass to his real goal for 2023.

The Beneil Dariush fight is just a stepping stone for Charles Oliveira

Ahead of the fight announcement, the former UFC lightweight champion spoke with Sherdog about what this fight means to him. The Brazilian expressed his excitement at fighting Beneil Dariush, who is in his prime now. Having said that, Oliveira stated that he is taking up this fight as a ladder that can help him react to the title shot and get the belt back on his waist by the end of the year.

Charles Oliveira told Sherdog, “My managers Jorge Patino and Diego Lima are taking care of that. As I said in other interviews, that’s a moment where we have to think with reason not emotion. I must fight the one who will take me to the title shot. My plan is [to] fight April or May, and fight again for the belt by the end of the year [against] the winner of [Alexander] Volkanovski and Makhachev.”

That indeed sounds like a great plan for Oliveira. However, Dariush isn’t the one that’ll go down easily. So, it appears like the Brazilian is having his hands full until he tries to reach the gold again from Islam Makhachev.

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