Charles Oliveira after defending his title against Dustin Poirier (Credits: MMA Junkie)
UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira believes that his opponent Justin Gaethje is wasting time trying to rile him up
UFC 275 features a lightweight main event between defending champion Charles Oliveira and former interim champion Justin Gaethje. This will be the Brazilian’s second title defense fight, and if experts are to be believed, Gaethje’s style is the champion’s kryptonite.
Oliviera made his first official title defense with a submission win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 269, and has now won his last 10 trips to the Octagon. That happens to include nine stoppages and two title fight wins.
The human highlight reel Justin Gaethje has been calling out for a fight against ‘Do Bronx’ for the longest time. He believes that he has the advantage on the feet, and contrary to naysayers who give the significant advantage on the ground to Charles, the American believes he can take the Brazilian down.
“Justin Gaethje is coming up with a lot of bullsh*t,” said Oliveira during a recent interview with Brazilian media outlet Olhar da Luta (transcription via MMA Clips Brazil). “I think that’s what he’s trying to do, to win the mind game. But that makes no difference to me. I learned that we have two ears to listen but we also have to let it out… If he thinks he can beat me in a standing fight, he can try to knock me out. If he thinks he’s a better wrestler than me, he can take me down too.”
Former interim champion Justin Gaethje has been given a second chance to get his hands on the coveted UFC gold against Charles Oliveira at UFC 274. However, his last opponent in a recent interview has picked the Brazilian to defend his throne.
This pick in particular is quite interesting as Michael Chandler seems to be the perfect person to make the call, having clashed against both the fighters in thrilling fights.
More MMA news
Follow our dedicated MMA page for instant MMA news and updates