Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is interested in fighting Alexander Volkanovski next.
“The Bronx” hasn’t been seen in the cage since losing a split decision to Arman Tsarukyan in April at UFC 300. That loss cost the Brazilian a chance at a rematch with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who beat him, in October 2022. Since then, Charles Oliveira has no plans to return to the cage.
However, the former UFC lightweight champion has also expressed interest in moving down to welterweight. Over the past few months, Charles Oliveira has been rumored to be facing Colby Covington, but that bout is far from happening. However, if the Brazilian stays in the lightweight division, he would also consider a matchup with another former champion.
On Instagram, Charles Oliveira was asked about fighting former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, while “The Great” was fresh off a second-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in February. The loss ended Volkanovski’s dominance at 145 pounds and he has since expressed interest in moving down to lightweight.
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Charles Oliveira discusses potential fight with Alexander Volkanovski
“Why not? It’s such an honor. Great fighter, great name. So why not? … I’m excited to see what UFC has in store for us.”
(via IG / Follow) #UFC #Mixed Martial Arts pic.twitter.com/7hHPrCaBzA
— Championship Round (@ChampRDS) August 20, 2024
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is interested in fighting Alexander Volkanovski next.
If Alexander Volkanovski does move up to lightweight, he’ll likely face Charles Oliveira first, with the Brazilian writing that he’d be honored to face the former UFC featherweight champion, but “Do Bronx” added that he’s now just waiting to see what the company wants next.
Either way, the Australian boxer is used to fighting at 155 pounds. Alexander Volkanovski fought at lightweight last year in two consecutive bouts against Islam Makhachev. “The Great” nearly defeated the Russian boxer in February, but suffered a surprise knockout loss in October of last year.
Still, a fight between two former UFC champions would be huge. Given their fighting styles, the bout should be thrilling. But it remains to be seen whether the fight will happen. Volkanovski has also expressed interest in fighting the Brazilian in recent months, but it’s notable that no progress has been made.
What do you think of these comments from the former UFC lightweight champion? Would you like to see Charles Oliveira vs. Alexander Volkanovski next?