Charles Oliveira recently became the lightweight champion at UFC 262
Oliveira beat Michael Chandler in a wild match in the main event of UFC 262. Having been down and out in the first round, Oliveira brought his experience to the fore and knocked out the UFC newcomer just 19 seconds into the second round.
He did his home country proud by becoming the first Brazilian lightweight champion in UFC since Rafael dos Anjos in 2015.
He is now expected to face the winner of the upcoming trilogy fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
‘Do Bronx’ is already being hailed as a hero in his hometown Guaruja. He recently received a king’s welcome when he returned to his country with the lightweight belt.
Oliveira caught up with MMA Fighting in an exclusive interview, where he discussed a myriad of topics.
‘Do Bronx’ was determined to maintain his lightweight reign for an extended period, by beating whoever comes up against him – be it, McGregor or Poirier.
“Man, for real, I’ve waited many years to get here, and here I am. We will work hard to maintain this reign for a long time. I think everybody knows we’ll wait for Conor and Dustin to fight and the next challenger will be whoever wins.” [via MMA Fighting]
It is worth noting that, Oliveira, despite being the champion, is the underdog in his fight against either Conor McGregor or Dustin Poirier.
Charles Oliveira says a new legacy has begun in the lightweight division
Following his title win at UFC 262, there were a lot of comparisons drawn between him and Khabib Nurmagomedov – the UFC lightweight GOAT.
Oliveira claimed that he had massive respect for Khabib and acknowledged everything he had done, before going on to state that a new era has begun:
“The new lightweight champion is Charles Oliveira, someone who comes in to finish people. A new legacy has begun in the lightweight division…A new era has begun. A new legacy. Charles Oliveira.” [via MMA Fighting]
Oliveira is a man on a mission, and his unbeaten streak since 2017 makes it look like he will not be stopping anytime soon.
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