Charles celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC
Charles do Bronx is planning his next steps in the UFC and has a clear goal: to fight for the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) again. To achieve this, the Brazilian is aiming for a rematch against Justin Gaethje , the current champion of the division, and has outlined the reasons that make the fight an interesting storyline for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
In an interview with the YouTube channel 'Olhar da Luta', released this Tuesday (25), Charles recalled the first fight against the American and highlighted the events that, in his view, make a new dispute even more attractive. The former champion also questioned the episode involving the scale before the duel.
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“The UFC likes the story. This fight was supposed to be in Brazil, it changed to the United States, and then it went to his city. When I was the champion, there are many things that happened. There was the issue with the scales. I am 100% sure that I was robbed on the scales,” stated Charles do Bronx.
Next, the Brazilian highlighted the dynamics of their first fight and recalled that he managed to impose his game against Gaethje. For the Chute Boxe fighter, the fact that the American has since become champion adds a new chapter to the rivalry.
“So, my fight with him has a story. He’s a tough guy, he felt my punch, I knocked him down and submitted him. Now he’s the champion. It doesn’t have to be in Brazil. I just need a call setting the date and time. If the UFC wants a story, what story is bigger than that?” the former champion concluded.
Relive Charles' victory over Gaethje at UFC 274.
Charles Oliveira submits Gaethje at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
The first encounter between the rivals took place in May 2022, in the main event of UFC 274 in Phoenix, United States. On that occasion, Charles do Bronx arrived at the event as the lightweight champion, but lost the belt on the scale, after exceeding the allowed limit for the category.
Even without the title on the line, the Brazilian delivered one of the most remarkable performances of his career. The fight began at a frantic pace, with both athletes landing hard blows and suffering knockdowns in the opening minutes.
Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, Justin Gaethje managed to stagger the Brazilian fighter on his feet. However, the Chute Boxe representative Diego Lima responded in kind and turned the fight into a true war from the very first seconds.
After surviving the most intense moments, Charles found his preferred path. In a quick transition on the ground, he took advantage of an opening left by his opponent, took his back and locked in a rear-naked choke at 3:22 of the first round, forcing the American to tap out.
The victory extended the Brazilian's dominant streak in the division and reinforced his status as one of the greatest lightweights in the organization's history. Now, four years after their first encounter, the two athletes are once again on the path to the title. With Gaethje at the top of the division and the São Paulo native back in contention for the belt, the rematch emerges as one of the most interesting fights in the UFC.
Video of the fight: Charles vs. Gaethje
At UFC 274 in May 2022, Justin Gaethje and Charles Oliveira went to war. Both fighters delivered unforgettable moments in a non-stop exchange of punches and kicks.
Midway through the round, Oliveira dropped Justin Gaethje with a picture-perfect right hand, followed up… pic.twitter.com/6bzDDfTjZ4
— Upper-Guard (@upperguard) August 18, 2026
Charles Oliveira's career in MMA.
Charles at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 36 years old, Charles is one of the biggest names in UFC history and a legend in the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg). A professional since 2008, the Brazilian has a record of 37 wins, 11 losses, and one no contest, with 10 knockout victories and 22 submission wins, making him the all-time leading finisher (17) in Ultimate history. His main career achievements include victories over Dustin Poirier , Justin Gaethje , Michael Chandler , Beneil Dariush , and Max Holloway.
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