Charles Oliveira has not yet stepped in the Octagon in 2016. Away from action since a first round submission win over Myles Jury, “Do Bronx” already knows when and where he wants to perform next, as he told Combate.
“I’ve been training and really dedicating myself. I learned a lot. I’m waiting for the call from the UFC. I know all the events in June and July are already completely filled, but if someone gets hurt, I’m ready to step in. I heard there will be an UFC event in Brazil, in September, and I would really like to fight at home again. It would be an honor.”
Oliveira is referring to a potential Fight Night show that is scheduled to occur in Brazil’s capital of Brasilia, on September 24. Should he get his wish granted, he has three names he would like to meet on the date: Brian Ortega, Cub Swanson or Max Holloway.
“The division is really busy, right now. Renan Barao moved up and had a great fight against Jeremy Stephens. There will be the interim title fight between Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar. Max Holloway is doing well, too. There’s a lot of good guys. I never picked an opponent, but I would like a rematch with Holloway, or to fight Brian Ortega or Cub Swanson, who’s ahead of me. It’s up to the UFC. I want someone in the Top 10.”
Charles Oliveira was on a four-fight winning streak with wins over the likes of Andy Ogle, Hatsu Hioki, Jeremy Stephens and Nik Lents before suffering a freak neck injury in the beginning of his bout against Max Holloway last August. He bounced back from it with a submission win over Myles Jury on December 2015.