Newly crowned lightweight chamion Charles Oliveira says he’ll gladly welcome a fight with Conor McGregor. But first, the Irishman has to get past Dustin Poirier.
Charles Oliveira has no problem fighting Conor McGregor for the lightweight title. But the newly minted champion has set out at least one task for the SBG superstar. McGregor needs to get past Dustin Poirier before the he thinks about getting another chance to capture UFC gold.
Oliveira laid claim to the vacant lightweight title with a victory over Michael Chandler this past weekend at UFC 262, winning by second-round TKO. Following his win, McGregor congratulated Oliveira, as well as taking a little time to tease ‘Do Bronx’ with the possibility that he wouldn’t be holding that belt for long.
Congrats to Olivera on becoming the 11th UFC lightweight champion.
Wonder who Twelve is…— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 16, 2021
“Conor, worry about Dustin,” Oliveira said via a translator at the UFC 262 post-fight press conference (transcript via MMA Fighting). “Then we’ll talk about it.
“I battled hard to get here. Everybody’s talking about who it’s going to be next, Poirier or Conor. I’ll leave that to my manager, and I’m going to go home and rest.”
McGregor’s trilogy fight with Poirier will take place on July 10th during international fight week. With the score currently at one apiece, the winner of the trilogy seems very likely to be next in line for Oliveira’s first defense.
“First he has to pass Dustin,” Oliveira said. “He’s just one of these guys that talks alot. He’s got to beat Dustin first.
Oliveira, who is undefeated in his last nine fights, broke the UFC record for most finishes (17) with his win over Chandler. Meanwhile, McGregor has only ever picked up one win at 155-pounds defeating Eddie Alvarez back in 2016.
“Conor, since you’re so tough, first of all, you beat Dustin, and then come over to Brazil and I’ll put you on your ass.”