Oliveira wants Gaethje: “My belt was taken in his backyard”
Charles Oliveira has declared that he wants to be the next challenger to Justin Gaethje for the UFC’s undisputed lightweight title. The claim isn’t simple. Behind it lies an unsettled score dating back to 2022, when the Brazilian flew to Arizona, weighed half a kilo over the limit and was stripped of the title before the fight even began.
The Arizona wound hasn’t healed yet
In May 2022, at UFC 274 in Phoenix, Oliveira was defending the lightweight title against Gaethje on the road – in his opponent’s land. At the weigh-in, the local athletic commission recorded 155.5 pounds. Half a kilo over the limit. “Do Bronx” lost the belt on the scale, without a single punch being thrown. He always contested the result, insisting he had made weight the night before and raising suspicions about the process run by the Arizona commission.
In the octagon, however, Oliveira settled it by force. He submitted Gaethje in the first round and left Phoenix as a moral champion, without the gold. Gaethje, who made weight and remained eligible to win the title, left defeated. The official result was a fight with no title on the line.
Gaethje made history – and Oliveira wants the title rematch
Four years later, the scenario has changed. On June 14, Gaethje knocked out Ilia Topuria at UFC White House and finally won the undisputed lightweight title. Oliveira watched the event and walked away with a clear goal in mind.
“The champion is Justin Gaethje, and I definitely want that fight. I want to be next in line,” said the Brazilian. The proposal goes beyond a simple lightweight title bout. Oliveira holds the BMF belt, won in a dominant decision over Max Holloway in Las Vegas, which would open the door to an unprecedented unification – two titles on the line at the same time.
Calculated wait, not passivity
Oliveira’s manager and coach, Diego Lima, was in Las Vegas recently to work in the corner of Alan Nascimento. Gaethje is expected to fight again in 2025, after two bouts in a row this year – against Paddy Pimblett and then against Topuria. Oliveira says he is willing to wait for a unification in 2027 if necessary. “If it’s to unify the titles and make history once more, why not stay on the sidelines waiting for the right moment?” he asked.
And about the venue? “When I was champion, I had to defend my belt in his backyard. Why not in Brazil this time?” The geographical question is symbolic, but Oliveira makes it clear: wherever the title is, he will be there. He’s just waiting for the phone to ring.
