Oliveira Ready To Face McGregor

Just days after forcing Dustin Poirier to submission at UFC. 269 to win his 10th fight in a row, Charles Oliveira has said that he is ready to take on Conor McGregor – as soon as this weekend.

After the fight on Sunday, McGregor bashed Poirier for his loss and signified that he would like to face Oliveira next when he tweeted: “So what date am I fighting Oliveira?” The Lightweight champion did not waste any time before responding, “What do you think about this weekend? I’m ready, I’m still in town, and there’s an upcoming event. Let’s go baby.” Just to prove how serious he was, McGregor accepted the challenge: “In Brazil they shouted Uh Vai morrer (You will die) but McGregor is STILL HERE.”

While it is impossible that the fight would hold this coming weekend, it is interesting to see how eager McGregor is to get back to the ring. He has not fought since losing to Poirier back in July, breaking his tibia in the process. But he has not also officially announced that he is back from retirement. He also has a weight problem as he is currently bigger than 155 pounds, which is the maximum limit for the Lightweight division.

UFC President Dana White has confirmed that Justin Gaethje is next in line for Oliveira. Gaethje was the former interim lightweight champion and backed Poirier to beat Oliveira last weekend. A fight between he and Oliveira seems inevitable next year.

But Oliveira does not seem to care about any of that. Speaking at an interview recently, the Brazilian said that he was the champion and was in the best position to call the shots: “I’m the champion now. The champion has a name and his name is Charles Oliveira, Charles ‘do Bronx.’ If I had the chance to fight Conor for money today, I would. The belt is mine and continues being mine. We’ll continue building our legacy and making history.”

Written by: Leon Osamor