Charles Oliveira (image via UFC/YouTube)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Following Islam Makhachev’s impressive victory at UFC 294, there’s been a lot of speculation about who will be next for the lightweight champ. But, according to the man who originally was supposed to fight Makhachev at the event, Charles Oliveira, there’s no question he should be next.

Oliveira was tapped for a rematch with Makhachev after he finished Beneil Dariush in the opening round at UFC 289 in June. But, less than two weeks out from UFC 294, Oliveira incurred a large cut while sparring and had to drop out.

Due to the fact Justin Gaethje is coming off an electrifying, stoppage win over Dustin Poirier in July, there’s been talk as to whether the UFC could grant the BMF champ a title shot. That would provide fans with a fresh match-up, as Gaethje has never fought the reigning, lightweight king.

But, while appearing on “The MMA Hour” recently, Oliveira was adamant he should be next for Makhachev (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“Whoever the UFC says he’s going to fight, they’re going to fight,” Oliveira said through a translator. “Everybody knows I’m next. First in the rankings, coming off of a great win, and ready to fight like I was before. I was ready for that fight until [the cut] happened, and I’m next in line.”

And according to Oliveira, he hasn’t heard anything about the UFC changing gears at this juncture.

“No one has said anything,” Oliveira said. “They know who I am, they know what I’m all about, they know that I’m going to train to become a champion. I’m training and I’m getting ready for it. They know what I’m all about. I don’t fight for money. I fight to make history and I fight for my legacy. So I’m going to continue to train, continue to get prepared and try to get up to 100 percent just like I was right before this fight. When I’m 100 percent, that’s when I’ll be ready to fight.”

Makhachev ended up facing and stopping featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski in the first round at UFC 294. Oliveira fought Makhachev for the first time in October 2022 and was submitted in the opening frame.