UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is on a high after successfully defending his title with a third round submission of Dustin Poirier at UFC 269 earlier this month and now he’s turning his sights on a showdown with UFC superstar Conor McGregor next, and he even has a date in mind.
“May would be a wonderful date,” Oliveira told sherdog.com. “Conor challenged me asking a date, and tweeted Ireland vs. Brazil 2. Not only him, but also myself and all the world wants to see that fight. So let’s make it happen. I´m waiting for him in May. It may be in welterweight, lightweight or middleweight, with my title on the line or not. Just choose and I´ll be ready.”
That being said, Oliveira also acknowledged that he would also be ready if the UFC decided that he should fight Justin Gaethje, who also had a big win over Michael Chandler on the same night, next instead.
“Gaethje was knocked out by Poirier, who I just submitted. He was almost knocked out by Chandler, who I beat via TKO, but I´m a UFC employee,” Oliveira said. “If they choose that I should fight Gaethje next, I’ll be ready too.”
Whoever it is he does ultimately fight next, Oliveira will be heading into the new year full of confidence and enjoying every moment of his reign as the king of the 155lb weight class.
“I’m really happy and moved by that and everything that is going on in my life lately. UFC champion in one of the most difficult divisions. I set records for most submissions and bonuses, [and rank] fifth in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. To finish that amazing year being chosen as ‘Fighter of the Year’ by one of the most respected outlets in the world, I’m so happy and moved that I don’t know what to talk about. I´m just thankful to God.”
