Charles Oliveira has been guaranteed a shot at the UFC lightweight title in his next fight, but the Brazilian is prepared to snub that for a clash with Conor McGregor.
Oliveira was due to make the second defence of his 155lb title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 in May, but he was stripped of the belt after missing weight before the fight. UFC boss Dana White has confirmed that Oliveira will compete for the vacant title in his next fight.
'Do Bronx' could pass up the opportunity to entertain a fight with former two-weight champion McGregor, who is plotting his return after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier last July. McGregor isn't keen on competing at 155lb after packing on a lot of muscle during his layoff, targeting welterweight for his return.
Oliveira, who has competed at featherweight and lightweight during his career, is interested in moving up to welterweight for a fight with McGregor, as he told Helen Yee : "With Conor, I would fight him at 170. It's all about money and I would like to to make this money fight with him."
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The Brazilian was in Las Vegas for International fight week and doubled down on his call out of McGregor, telling BT Sport: "Hey Conor, I want this fight. I know you want it so are you going to come or are you going to run? I know you're running, so I'm here. Are you going to sign the contract or not?"
McGregor is unlikely to make his UFC return this year whilst Oliveira has been heavily linked to a lightweight title clash against Islam Makhachev at UFC 281 in October. Makhachev has been calling for his shot at the title after extending his unbeaten run to 10 fights in February.
Claiming to have weighed as much as 190lb during his recovery, McGregor called out welterweight champion Kamaru Usman for his return fight. The Irishman also admitted he would "love" to fight Oliveira after his last win, whilst citing his past wins against other Brazilian fighters such as Jose Aldo and Diego Brandao.
”I’m not sure I wish to cut the weight. I am really enjoying being built like a refrigerator," he wrote. "I feel I want to fight at this size just to watch it back lol. But I’d love to fight the Brazilian, 100 per cent! I love Brazil and I’m unbeaten against Brazil. All KO’s. I’ve some thinking to do.”
