Diego Lima, the trainer, has spilled the beans. Charles Oliveira, the fighter he trains, is eyeing a rematch. And not just any rematch. He’s got the reigning lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, in his sights.
The date? Well, that’s still up in the air. But they’ve got a time frame in mind.
Lima was supposed to kick off discussions with the UFC on Wednesday. But then Ian Garry showed up, and things got a bit sidetracked. So, they’re planning to have a meeting, possibly on Thursday, to make the call.
What’s clear is this: Charles wants that rematch with Makhachev. He’s hoping for a March date, right before Ramadan. That’s their main focus, Lima reveals. But they’re flexible. If the UFC wants them to wait until after Ramadan, they’re game. They’re not in any rush. The priority? Getting Charles in the ring with Islam.
But there’s another possibility on the horizon. A rumored card in Brazil. American Top Team trainer Marcos da Matta has hinted that it’ll be announced for May 4 in Rio de Janeiro.
Lima’s take on it? “It’s gonna be a chess match.” Fighting in March is their first choice. But Charles has a dream. To fight for the belt in front of his home fans.
The UFC has already announced Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera 2 as the title fight for UFC 299. UFC 300 could feature Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler. And with Ramadan in April, UFC 301 in May could be a possibility.
Last time we saw Oliveira in action was at UFC 289. He stopped Beneil Dariush with a technical knockout on June 10. He was supposed to rematch Makhachev at UFC 294 in October. But a training injury forced him to bow out.