Despite preparing to headline UFC Rio tonight, Charles Oliveira is ready to address a growing rivalry with a popular finisher.
The former lightweight champion is making his first return to compete in his native Brazil in over five years.
Pitted against Polish star Mateusz Gamrot, the two shared a tense pre-fight face-off. Oliveira aims to overcome a concerning statistic regarding his performance against European opponents.
However, beyond his upcoming fight, the ex-champion has also offered to settle a score with an emerging top contender who sharply criticized his performance following his shocking knockout loss to Ilia Topuria.
Charles Oliveira Challenges Paddy Pimblett After ‘Stupid’ Remark
After suffering a brutal knockout defeat to undefeated superstar Ilia Topuria just over 100 days ago, Oliveira wasted no time in scheduling his return to Rio de Janeiro.
His one-sided loss to the Spanish finisher became a major topic of discussion, with top contender Paddy Pimblett particularly critical of Oliveira’s tactical approach.
Pimblett branded the Brazilian “stupid” and “amateur” for choosing to exchange blows with the heavy-handed Topuria. In response, Oliveira has now extended a challenge to Pimblett, especially as Topuria is expected to face a different opponent next year, potentially ushering in a new UFC era.
“Listen, people are going to say what they want to say, but let`s see,” Oliveira told Newsweek Sports before UFC Rio.
“I’m going to be ready. I always want to fight, and I’ll be ready to fight if needed,” Oliveira added, directly referencing Pimblett’s recent comments. “…This only makes me laugh. That’s real talk.”
Charles Oliveira Eyes White House Event
Hoping to launch another run at the lightweight title after his short-notice fight with Gamrot tonight, Oliveira has already unveiled ambitious future plans.
With his fourth fight in two years approaching, Oliveira aims to maintain this active schedule next year, expressing a desire to compete on the summer White House card in Washington.
He even named a specific opponent, stating he wants to face a fighter currently linked with Michael Chandler — a competitor Oliveira has already defeated twice in impressive fashion.
