Charles Oliveira is one of the most liked fighters in the entire UFC. The former UFC lightweight champion is never one to back down from a challenge. His willingness to take on anyone was on full display once again when he responded to Colby Covington’s recent callout.
Charles Oliveira isn’t fazed by Colby Covington’s callout one bit. In a recent backstage interview, Oliveira flashed his trademark smile when asked about potentially moving up to 170 pounds to face Colby Covington. He revealed his interest in fighting the polarizing welterweight.
It’s not just what Charles thinks, it’s about what the UFC thinks about it. Colby is a talkative guy, he’s a guy who talks a lot, so let’s see. Why not? For sure, if it makes sense, if its something good for me, why not?
Charles Oliveira via AgFight
Covington is coming off a loss to welterweight king Leon Edwards. He had trash-talked rising star Ian Garry and his wife. He has now set his sights on the Brazilian submission expert Oliveira. Oliveira is also coming off a loss to Arman Tsarukyan. Whether the UFC would be interested in making this fight happen remains to be seen.
Charles Oliveira says he’s open to moving up to welterweight and fighting Colby Covington “if it makes sense” 👀
“[Colby] is a talkative guy, he’s a guy who talks a lot so let’s see. Why not?…
For sure [I would be willing to move up in weight]. If it makes sense, if it’s… pic.twitter.com/h7EWMeZFlx
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 19, 2024
Oliveira has eyed legacy fights for some time now. He had already held talks with coach Diego Lima about the potential move up in weight class. This will come with new challenges and legacy-defining matchups for him. So Covington’s very public callout seemed to pique his interest.
Charles Oliveira opted out of UFC 303 return after teammates’ advice
Charles Oliveira’s plans for a quick turnaround were put on hold after UFC 300. This came after a split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan. Oliveira was eager to get back into the octagon. However, cooler heads prevailed when his team advised him to take a break.
Charles Oliveira opted out of UFC 303 (via Yardbarker)In a recent interview, the ever-enthusiastic Oliveira admitted he wanted to compete at UFC 303 during International Fight Week in June. However, Oliveira’s team urged some restraint. He knew they were right and listened to his trusted coaches.
I wanted to fight in International Fight Week, which is in June, and [Diego] Lima stopped me, said ‘Calm down, breathe.’ The team said to take a breath, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m breathing, I’m calm, but I want to fight in July or August.
Charles Oliveira via AgFight
Charles Oliveira revisits his fight with Arman Tsarukyan at #UFC300 and says he believes he won rounds 1 and 3.
He also says that he wanted to fight in June during International Fight Week, but his team told him to calm down so he is now targeting a return in July/August.
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 1, 2024
While Oliveira takes a breather, the lightweight title picture sorts itself out. Islam Makhachev looks set to defend against Dustin Poirier next weekend. A win for Oliveira over another top contender could propel him back into the title mix at 155 pounds. Or he could set his sights permanently on the welterweight division.
