Charles Oliveira, one of the UFC lightweight division's top contenders, has made it clear that his post-UFC 309 focus is on a potential fight with Conor McGregor, rather than immediately pursuing another title shot.
The allure of the immense financial reward and global spotlight a McGregor fight brings is too tempting for Oliveira to pass up.
In a recent interview with Laerte Viana, Oliveira shared his reasoning. With Arman Tsarukyan set to challenge Islam Makhachev for the title next, Oliveira would rather capitalize on the lucrative opportunity of fighting McGregor while waiting for his title shot.
"Can you guarantee that beating Conor puts me next in line for the belt? The title fight will be Tsarukyan vs. Islam, so I’ll have to wait anyway. Why not make a lot of money fighting Conor?" Oliveira explained.
A Fight for Stardom and Financial Gain
Oliveira's stance reflects a growing trend in the UFC, where securing a fight against McGregor is often more appealing than chasing titles. McGregor's star power ensures any fight involving him becomes a global spectacle, drawing massive attention and revenue.
For Oliveira, a win over McGregor wouldn’t just bring a payday—it would strengthen his case for another title shot, solidifying his position as a top contender.
However, before any McGregor bout can be realized, Oliveira first has to face Michael Chandler at UFC 309. Coming off a loss to Arman Tsarukyan, a victory against Chandler would be crucial for Oliveira to regain momentum and set the stage for a high-profile clash with McGregor.
Oliveira on Chandler’s Wait for McGregor
Interestingly, Oliveira also commented on Chandler’s long-standing pursuit of a fight with McGregor, expressing sympathy for Chandler’s two-year wait. Despite criticism from some in the MMA community for Chandler’s prolonged efforts to secure the fight, Oliveira took a more empathetic view.
“It’s complicated because we’re not in his shoes. Who knows what was negotiated? Was he paid his show money when Conor pulled out? People talk, but no one knows the full story,” Oliveira remarked.
As Oliveira gears up for his fight with Chandler, fans are eager to see whether the potential blockbuster fight with McGregor will come to fruition—one that promises not only excitement and spectacle but also substantial financial rewards for both fighters.
