Charles celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC
Charles do Bronx is close to defining his next step in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). After rumors indicated that the Brazilian had withdrawn from facing Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 , scheduled for September 19th, the 'Blamed Lion' already has new horizons in the organization. According to his coach, Diego Lima, the team should begin negotiating the former lightweight champion's next fight in the coming weeks.
In an interview with 'MMA Fighting', Diego Lima revealed that Charles do Bronx doesn't intend to stay away from the octagon for long and wants to return to fighting in 2026. The coach explained that if the UFC guarantees the Brazilian another title fight in April, the team would be willing to wait for the title shot. On the other hand, if there is no confirmation about the title fight, the team is likely to begin negotiations in the coming weeks.
[Related]
“He (Charles) also wants to fight until the end of the year, he doesn't want to be inactive for so long. If they say, 'It's a sure thing for the belt in April,' we'll wait, of course. But he wants to work and needs to work. So, I believe that in maybe 15 days we might start some negotiations,” said Diego Lima.
Diego Lopez and Arman Tsarukyan may face Charles Oliveira in the UFC.
Diego Lima also assessed potential opponents for Charles' return. Arman Tsarukyan remains an interesting name, but the coach also mentioned Diego Lopes as an alternative. The Mexican-Brazilian fighter comes from two featherweight title fights (up to 65,7 kg) and, according to Lima, possesses an aggressive style and great potential to deliver a standout fight.
“Arman (Tsarukyan) is an interesting name. (Diego) Lopes, why not? He’s an interesting name too, he’s a guy who’s on the rise, he’s had two title fights. He’s a guy with an aggressive style, he’s a guy who would definitely sell,” the coach continued.
Despite the possibilities, the coach emphasized that Charles do Bronx 's main objective remains to regain the lightweight title. However, if a title shot doesn't become available, the team intends to keep the Brazilian active and analyze other matchups, also considering the financial return of each fight.
“But while we want the belt, that’s our goal. When will it happen? We’ll wait. Otherwise, we want to work. Some fights bring in more money, some fights bring in less money,” concluded the Chute Boxe leader.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
Comments