Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira recently expressed interest in testing himself in the welterweight division. Despite a recent loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300, Oliveira remains determined to explore new challenges outside of his usual weight class.
This defeat, only his second since December 2017, has prompted Oliveira to consider a move up to the 170-pound division, where he believes his formidable submission skills could still be effective.
Acknowledging the crowded landscape of the lightweight division, Oliveira is in no rush to jump back into the mix of contenders. With notable matchups like Conor McGregor versus Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier versus Islam Makhachev on the horizon, Oliveira intends to take a measured approach to his next move.
He emphasizes the importance of making strategic decisions that align with his financial goals and legacy in the sport.
Reflecting on his loss to Tsarukyan, Oliveira maintains a pragmatic perspective. While he believes he could have potentially won the fight, he chooses not to dwell on the result. Oliveira acknowledges the subjective nature of judging in MMA and refuses to engage in fruitless complaints.
Instead, he channels his energy into constructive efforts to improve his performance, recognizing areas where he could have been more aggressive and proactive during the bout.
Despite feeling that he won the first round convincingly and acknowledging the closeness of the third, Oliveira refrains from disputing the judges’ decision. He points out Tsarukyan’s passive approach on the ground and accepts the outcome with grace, refusing to engage in unnecessary controversy.
Oliveira’s focus remains on his own growth as an athlete, fueled by the determination to overcome setbacks and continue progressing in his career, whether in his current weight class or in a new division.
