Oliveira eyes welterweight clash with “The Notorious” post expected weekend victory
s the Ultimate Fighting Championship gears up for its landmark UFC 300 event next weekend, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is not just focused on his upcoming fight against Arman Tsarukyan but also on a potential mega-fight with Conor McGregor.
In what is set to be a crucial bout on the main card of UFC 300, Oliveira, the current number one contender in the lightweight division, is coming off a sensational victory. Last summer at UFC 289, Oliveira delivered a dominant performance, securing a first-round knockout win over Beneil Dariush with precision ground strikes, solidifying his position at the top of the lightweight rankings.
However, Oliveira’s ambitions extend beyond his imminent challenge. According to his head coach, Diego Lima, in a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Oliveira’s sights are set on a welterweight clash with the notorious Conor McGregor.“It would be great to fight McGregor,” Lima stated to MMA Fighting, emphasizing the professional and financial allure of such a matchup. Despite potential title implications, Oliveira and his team are keen on the McGregor fight, recognizing its significance beyond championship belts.
McGregor, a former two-division champion, is planning his own return to the Octagon this summer against Michael Chandler, marking his first fight since 2021. This sets the stage for a possible showdown with Oliveira, provided he gets past Tsarukyan at UFC 300.
Charles Oliveira’s coach likes Conor McGregor fight over Islam Makhachev rematch after UFC 300 https://t.co/cWcy1a9XSk
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 4, 2024
Could UFC 300 be a stepping stone for Oliveira towards a blockbuster McGregor match?
Oliveira’s decision to pursue a fight with McGregor may also influence his path toward a rematch with Islam Makhachev, another top contender in the lightweight division. Makhachev is rumored to be preparing for a June title defense at UFC 302 against Dustin Poirier, which could potentially delay any rematch with Oliveira.
👀👀👀#UFC300 is coming… pic.twitter.com/haS7RtpAgC
— UFC (@ufc) April 5, 2024
The MMA community is buzzing with anticipation as UFC 300 approaches, not just for the Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan bout but also for the potential ripple effects it could have on future matchups. A victory for Oliveira could set up one of the most eagerly awaited fights in UFC history, pitting him against Conor McGregor in a welterweight blockbuster that would capture the attention of fight fans around the world.