Las Vegas, NV – Visiting with the fans at UFC X during International Fight Week is a reminder for former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira as to why he does what he does.
“I’m very happy. Everything that I do, I do for them, you know what I mean? For my fans. I want to show them that everything’s possible,” Oliveira told Cageside Press through a translator at UFC X.
“Every time I go in that octagon I’m happy, and I’m ready for everything. I’m going to keep building my legacy. You can expect more.”
Having held the title once before it seems that the former champion is now only interested in rematching Islam Makhachev for the title. Oliveira is coming off a TKO finish of top contender Beneil Dariush at UFC 289.
“I just want the fight to be in November. November or December I’ll be ready. Doesn’t matter where the fight’s going to be, and if I need to go there (Abu Dhabi) I’ll go there. I’m going to show everybody. So I’m ready,” he said.
“Just give me the time. That’s all I ask.”
With combat sports being as unpredictable in nature as anything else it’s still to be seen in Makhachev will accept the rematch with Oliveira, look for a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski or possibly move up to the welterweight division to challenge for that title. Oliveira may be out of luck in terms of a rematch with the lightweight champion.
“Doesn’t matter what’s going to happen (with Makhachev). If UFC decides to move me on it’s ok. As long as they give me the belt. I deserve the belt. Islam (won) the fight, but this is the past,” Oliveira said.
“It’s already past. I think this is my time, I’m the next in line, so I’m ready.”
Watch the entire UFC X interview with former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira above.
