Charles Oliveira has admitted he had no choice but to accept the challenge of Islam Makhachev, despite favouring a fight with Conor McGregor.
Oliveira was stripped of his 155lb title in May after missing weight for his title defence against Justin Gaethje, but he won the fight and set up his attempt to reclaim the now-vacant belt. Standing in his way will be Russian contender Makhachev whom he will face at UFC 280 on October 22 in Abu Dhabi.
The Brazilian star had called out Irish star McGregor for a shot at the 155lb crown following his victory last time out, but the Irishman's return is expected to be delayed until 2023. And Oliveira admits he wanted to face the Irishman but was instead 'forced' to take on Makhachev.
“I didn’t want this fight. Everyone knows it,” Oliveira said when discussing his upcoming bout against Makhachev. “I wanted the big payment from the other fight. However, everyone knows that I’m a UFC employee. You can’t escape that. So we tried to negotiate from every angle.
"I tried New York because it was a neutral ground. But the fight was decided there [Abu Dhabi]. But to be honest the cage is the same anywhere in the world. But look at my last eleven fights and look at Makhachev's last ten fights, what he does best is putting people on the ground. If he does that again he will putting down the biggest finisher in UFC history.
"I would have chosen Conor if I could but he is silent. So what popped up instead was Makhachev and he deserves all the respect in the world. Unfortunately the fight didn't come to Brazil or neutral ground, it went to their territory but you saw what happened when it went to Gaethje's house and it will be no different this time."
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Oliveira made it very clear he wanted to face McGregor by making multiple call-outs to the Irishman who was reluctant to accept as he eyes a switch to 170lb when he makes a comeback. McGregor initially called for the immediate title shot at Oliveira but has since declared he would rather attempt to become a triple-champion.
It is unlikely the Irishman will now return this year having only just made a full return to MMA training. The Irishman has also been holidaying in Ibiza and on his yacht which suggests he is not yet close to planning any opponent for a return.
