Lightweight champion Charles Oliveira shows his sympathy for Conor McGregor’s fracture at UFC 264.
The UFC lightweight champion did not enjoy watching the end of the last UFC card. Ringside for a main event that would determine his next challenger, Charles Oliveira was sad to see Conor McGregor lose to Dustin Poirier because of a horrific injury suffered in the first round.
In an interview with Super Lutas, Oliveira explained that an injury is never the right way to see a fight end. Had Poirier finished the fight with a knockout or submission, Do Bronx believes it would give the trilogy an appropriate ending. However, seeing it finished because of a leg fracture makes Oliveira feel nothing but sympathy for McGregor.
“It’s unpleasant to talk about this fight. I, Charles, see all fighters as workers who were born to do this. I treat them all well when the fight ends. I hug them, I kiss them, I thank them for the opportunity. I watched that card from top to bottom. The way Conor lost was painful. Had he been knocked out or if he had knocked out Dustin, that would’ve been cool.”
Despite not liking some McGregor’s antics, Oliveira recognizes how important he is for the sport, which is why he was sorry to see McGregor break his leg at UFC 264. In fact, Oliveira would like to see the MMA community show their support for the ‘Notorious’ while he takes the time to recuperate.
“He (Conor) deserves a standing ovation. I don’t like the way he sells his fights, the way he talks. As an athlete, though, he’s a giant. He influences millions of people and earns millions of dollars, win or lose. He puts money into the pockets of lots of people. Everyone wants to fight him, because they know they’ll make money. Unfortunately, losing the way he lost, he’s going to be sidelined. He said it should take about six weeks to come back. I’m sure he’s fighting Dustin again when he’s ready. He has my respect.”
In his last outing, Oliveira (31-8-1 NC) became the champion when he TKO’d former Bellator lightweight champ Michael Chandler, back in May. The win extended Oliveira’s streak to a whopping nine straight victories, with eight finishes. The 31-year-old’s last loss dates back to December 2017, when he got TKO’d by Paul Felder.