Conor McGregor has praised Charles Oliveira for earning a record payday after previously hitting out at his rival.
The Irishman provided a running commentary of the former champion's victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 last weekend. Oliveira moved to call out the superstar before later claiming he could defeat McGregor and Nate Diaz on the same night.
McGregor initially responded to Oliveira's claim with a vicious rant on social media, tweeting: "Shut up you bum and get back to that favela and pay your piece." After deleting the tweet, the 33-year-old made a significant U-turn by praising the division's leading fighter, saying in a now-deleted tweet: "Congratulations Charles Oliveira on your multi-million payday for your last fight! Incrível! A multi-millionaire from the favelas! Wow inspiring to the youth there! Enjoy every cent, party time!"
Oliveira was reported to have earned $1.6million from his 11th successive win in the UFC which included his guaranteed purse and sponsorship. However the Brazilian was forced to forfeit around 30 per cent of his earnings after missing weight and being stripped of his title.
This would leave Oliveira with a final purse of around $1.1 million despite UFC president Dana White confirming he will earn his pay-per-view points. The Brazilian star immediately leapt on the microphone after his victory in the octagon, calling out the division's leading fighters, including McGregor.
"This is a message to the entire division; I am a problem for the entire division," the former champion said during his post-fight interview. "I am enlightened, I am the champion, this is my title and it should be here. Dana White, I don't care [who I fight next], I'm not going to choose. Hey, Conor McGregor, are you going to come back or are you going to run away?"
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McGregor could fight for the vacant title after previously calling for an immediate shot at the champion. However the Irishman declined the call-out insisting that his primary focus is on a switch to 170lb. "I’m not sure I wish to cut the weight," he said. "I am really enjoying being built like a refrigerator.
"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."
Oliveira previously insisted he would accept the challenge of McGregor in what would be a career-high payday for the Brazilian. However any talks could be delayed with McGregor no longer expected to make an imminent return to the octagon, after former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub claimed the star will not fight this year.
