The Charles Oliveira next fight news should arrive soon. While his legion of Brazilian fans waits, we look at three likely opponent options and recap his bounce-back victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 309.
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Who will Charles Oliveira next fight be against?
In November, lightweight legend Charles Oliveira made his return to the Octagon in a rematch against fan-favorite Michael Chandler. While he didn’t get a finish this time, he scored another win over “Iron.” As an elite fighter in the division, the options for his next fight are limited.
That is why matchups with Max Holloway, Islam Makhachev, or Ilia Topuria.
- Blessed: With Holloway expected to officially move to lightweight for his next bout, a clash with Oliveira would be a dream fight and a great way to go for both men’s return in 2025.
- The Champ: Makhachev held onto his gold earlier this year. His path ahead is unclear. However, the Brazilian has suggested the company promised he would be next in line and get a chance to avenge his 2022 loss to the Russian fighter.
- El Matador: the featherweight king vacated his title earlier this year to also make the move to lightweight. If Makhachev gets an opportunity at a second belt, a bout between Oliveira and Topuria would be absolute fire.
Charles Oliveira vs. Michale Chandler II recap
The expectation was that Oliveira and Chandler would deliver fireworks again in the co-main event of UFC 309. And the lightweight greats delivered just that in another highly entertaining scrap inside Madison Square Garden.
What Happened: Oliveira vs. Chandler 2 was much more competitive than their first fight and actually went the distance. Over five rounds the pair did damage to each other and the American hurt his foe at one point. However, the superior skills of the Brazilian offered a question Chandler could not find an answer to.
The Fallout: The victory solidified Oliveira’s place as one of the very best 155-pound MMA fighters on earth. It also likely locked up a title fight in his next bout if he is willing to wait until well into 2025.
What’s Next? Unless he gets a money-fight offer in the next few months, Oliveira will likely wait for a lightweight title shot next. Most likely against Ilia Topuria.
What makes Charles Oliveira so popular?
Charles Oliveria’s UFC journey has not been a meteoric rise to the top from day one like middleweight great Israel Adesanya. The Brazilian at one point went from a top prospect to a gatekeeper. He was a lightweight who underperformed, tried and failed at featherweight, then returned as a new man at 155 pounds and became a dominant force. Oliveira’s story is one of reinvention and perseverance from specialist to well-rounded superstar.
- Charles Oliveira Record: 35-10 (10 knockouts, 21 submissions)
- Charles Oliveira UFC Record: 22-10-1 NC
- Charles Oliveria last fight: Unanimous decision win over Michael Chandler
- Charles Oliveira height: 5-foot-10
- “Do Bronx” has the record for most UFC submissions wins at 16
- Oliveira has wins over elite Octagon stars like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler (twice), Tony Ferguson, Jim Miller, Donald Cerrone, Clay Guida, and Beneil Dariush
- Oliveira was stripped of his lightweight title in May 2022 after missing weight before his second title defense at UFC 274
- Oliveira is one victory away from tying former champion Ferguson for the longest win streak in UFC lightweight history (12)
Charles Oliveira’s net worth
Money is often the greatest determiner of success in the fight game. After 14 years in the MMA, Charles Oliveira’s net worth is reported as $2.5 million.
Related: Where does Charles Oliveira land in our latest UFC Lightweight rankings?