The last time we saw Charles Oliveira in the Octagon was against Michael Chandler at UFC 309. He won via a unanimous decision and is ready to make a blockbuster return soon. That’s what his coach, Diego Lima, has suggested and so, the team has some goals for 2025. Translation? They are looking for a big fight, and rightfully so. After all, the Brazilian faced names like Chandler, Arman Tsarukyan, Beneil Dariush, Islam Makhachev, and Justin Gaethje in his last five fights.

However, there is an issue he might face. You see, after Gaethje’s spectacular performance at UFC 313, his stock is skyrocketing, making him a likely title contender. Similarly, Oliveira is looking for another go at Makhachev. Seeing how things are shifting in the lightweight division, ‘The Highlight’ and ‘do Bronx’ might meet once again. Regardless, what do Oliveira and his team want in order to make a big return?

Oliveira’s coach, Diego Lima, in a conversation with reporter Alvaro Colmenero, stated: “Charles wants International Fight Week. He wants to fight twice this year. Fighting on June 28 would give him room to fight again at the end of the year.” If the fighter wants to compete twice this year, he will have to fight soon in order to be able to comfortably space out both events.

Lima further stated: “He told me he wants to fight in June, but if we don’t have the BMF or the title I wouldn’t know if we would fight? Maybe Justin Gaethje, who has made a great fight and sells a lot or a new fight with Dustin Poirier who sells a lot. Charles has to fight fighters who are big.”

The message is clear: Oliveira will not enter the cage unless the stakes are high. A comeback fight against Gaethje or Poirier would be perfect considering he holds the previous wins over both the fighters. At UFC 269, he successfully submitted ‘The Diamond’ via a rear-naked choke, and something similar happened with Gaethje at UFC 274. Yet another win over either of these names would surely help his stake. Additionally, it will grab a lot of attention and prove to be a big fight.

But Charles Oliveira’s objectives go beyond just another big fight; he wants to reclaim his place at the top of the lightweight category. Ilia Topuria’s recent shift to 155 pounds adds to the drama. The undefeated featherweight champion has made it clear that he is looking for the biggest names, and ‘do Bronx’ fits that description. If the fighter from the favelas is unable to secure a fight against Gaethje or ‘The Diamond,’ maybe the UFC will bring Ilia Topuria into the mix. With so many shifting pieces in the lightweight division, the Brazilian’s potential comeback at UFC 317 might be a turning point in the title race.

However, fans have already chosen their picks for Oliveira’s big fight. What are they saying?

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Charles beat Michael Chandler buddy

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Fans name their best picks for a fight against Charles Oliveira!

As soon as the news of Charles Oliveira wanting a big fight hit the internet, fans made sure that their voices were heard out loud as they commented on the names of their picks. One of the top names that obviously came on top was Ilia Topuria. After all, ‘El Matador’ came to the lightweight division to look for a new challenge. Considering that he has yet to fight his first bout in the new weight class, he would need a challenge before he can go one-on-one against Islam Makhachev for the title. So who better than Charles Oliveira to go against? Taking to the comments, many fans made their thoughts known that it is ‘El Matador’ vs. ‘Do Bronx’ that they want. They wrote:

• “We want Topuria vs. Charles.”
• “Ilia needs to start at some point in this division; UFC will use Charles.”

But hey, that’s not where it ends. Many fans were also drawn to Max Holloway. The former featherweight champion’s increasing interest in lightweight fights made him an obvious pick, with fans keen to see him face Oliveira. Interestingly, ‘Blessed’ and Oliveira faced each other in the Octagon back in UFC Fight Night 74 – Holloway vs. Oliveira (2015). The result? The Brazilian lost via TKO.

• “Max vs. Charles 2 absolute classic; idk who wins; I’d lean Max, but I can see Charles easily.”
• “I’d much rather see Max vs. Charles than Max vs. Dustin again.”

Amongst the flurry of comments, another name was thrown around as a potential fight. It was Arman Tsarukyan. Following his untimely withdrawal from UFC 311 due to injury, Tsarukyan has been looking to regain his No. 1 contender position, and many believe a rematch with Oliveira makes the most sense. The last time they fought (UFC 300), Oliveira faced defeat through split decision. Considering it was a close fight, a rematch would be exciting.

• “Arman rematch only makes sense… but this time five rounds.”

With UFC CEO Dana White ruling out Tsarukyan’s imminent title opportunity, a bout against Charles Oliveira might serve as the ideal proving ground for both competitors. In the end, it is all up to White and the UFC matchmakers.

Who do you think should be Oliveira’s next opponent? Let us know in the comments below.