Some Charles Oliveira next fight news should arrive in the next few months, but while we wait, let’s review three likely opponent options and take a look at his dominant win over Beneil Dariush at UFC 289.
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Who will Charles Oliveira next fight be against?
Following an emphatic victory in his return to the Octagon in June, “do Bronx” is likely to be in a major matchup when he next competes. That is why the former lightweight champion will probably battle either Islman Makhachev, Michael Chandler, or the loser of the Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje bout in his UFC return.
- Rematch: While it has not been confirmed, the fight that really should come next is a rematch with division king Makhachev. Oliveira’s resume is worthy of it and after blowing by a top contender in June he has the best case for a title fight
- Iron: If Michael Chandler defeats Conor McGregor later this year, it isn’t a guarantee he will get a title fight next. Having to avenge his loss to the Brazilian if Oliveira doesn’t get a title shot either makes a lot of sense
- Diamond/Highlight: If the former champion is blocked from a championship opportunity next, facing the loser of Poirier vs. Gaethje would be likely since the winner could be the competitor that faces Makhachev next
Charles Oliveria vs Beniel Dariush recap
Despite some early resistance, Charles Oliveira dominantly showed why he is still one of the best lightweight fighters ever when he beat Beneil Dariush at UFC 289.
What happened: Oliveira was surprisingly a solid underdog heading into the bout. And in the opening minutes, Dariush made oddsmakers look right as he racked up points by getting top position on the mat. However, at no point did he ever seem in control before he was eventually hurt with a head kick and finished by TKO in the final minute of the first round.
The fallout: Oliveira looked strong throughout the bout. He pushed a strong pace and showed how dangerous he is as a striker when he hurt his opponent and was able to put him away in less than a round. It proved that “do Bronx” was back.
The roadmap: A scrap with Islam Makhachev really should be the next fight. While the champion has been resistant, if the bout can be put on in his home country of Russia, Makhachev may not be able to resist.
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 that 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: 34-9 (9 knockouts, 21 submissions)
- Charles Oliveria last fight: Second-round submission loss to Islam Makhachev
- Charles Oliveira height: 5-foot-10
- “Do Bronx” has the record for most UFC submissions wins at 16
- His UFC record is 21-9-1
- Oliveira has wins over elite Octagon stars like Dustin Poirier, Gaethje, Michael Chandler, 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.