Charles Oliveira has responded to Nate Diaz's recent callout, but the veteran fighter remains focused on his primary goal of regaining the UFC lightweight championship. Oliveira, who has competed 37 times in the UFC, addressed Diaz's comments while discussing his future plans.
Diaz recently stated in an interview with Theo Von that he would "beat the fucking shit out of Charles Oliveira." The comments came after Oliveira's recent performances in the lightweight division.
"I told [my coach/manager] Diego [Lima] that this is the moment for us to think carefully about what's going to happen," Oliveira told Canal Encarada. "Would a fight with Nate be good? Of course, definitely. Given everything he's been saying — he's a guy who sells a lot, someone who would help us make money, it would be a big fight and a lot of people would want to see it."
McGregor Return Speculation
Oliveira also addressed the possibility of facing Conor McGregor, who has been away from the octagon for almost five years. The Brazilian fighter expressed renewed confidence that McGregor could actually return this time.
"We've heard so many times that Conor is coming back and nothing happens," Oliveira said. "But one of the reasons I believe he might return this time is that Dana usually wouldn't say anything, and this time he has spoken. So I do believe he could come back to fight at [International] Fight Week."
Backup Fighter Role
Oliveira revealed interest in serving as backup fighter for the lightweight title bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. However, he outlined specific conditions for accepting that role.
"Do Bronx" said he would need a guarantee that Topuria, if victorious, would defend the lightweight title instead of moving to welterweight. In a scenario where Topuria wins and leaves the division, the UFC could ask Oliveira to fight in July or August for the vacant belt, forcing him into another camp on shorter notice.
"I'm going after the title," Oliveira said. "I want to become champion again, but I think nobody is naive, everyone is doing the math. The belt will be unified in June. I could be a backup for the fight. But I stay focused on training, make weight, and when I get there, there's no fight [for me]."
