With the retirement of UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, fans, and presumably management, have been trying to figure out who will fight for the vacated belt. Names being thrown around include Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and newly signed former three-time Bellator MMA champ Michael Chandler.
Here are the top 10 in the UFC’s official rankings:
1. Justin Gaethje
2. Dustin Poirier
3. Tony Ferguson
4. Conor McGregor
5. Dan Hooker
6. Charles Oliveira
7. Paul Felder
8. Diego Ferreira
9 . Al Iaquinta
10. Kevin Lee
During a recent interview with Guilherme Cruz for MMA Fighting, Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira argued for his inclusion in a title fight. With the retirement of the undefeated Nurmagomedov, Oliveira now has the longest win streak, with seven; all were inside the distance, with only one making it to Round 3. Most recently, he submitted Kevin Lee at UFC on ESPN+ 28 on March 14, 2020.
For everyone that loves fights or makes a living out of this, MMA reporters, that’s easy math, argued Oliveira. I have the longest winning streak today, I don’t leave it in the hands of the judges, I finish them all. Everyone ranked ahead of me is coming off a loss. The only exception is Dustin Poirier. I think it’s only fair that I’m the next challenger, that I have a chance to fight for the belt.
I know I’m No. 6 today and I know there are a lot of fighters ahead of me. Like I said, Dustin Poirier is coming off a win. Conor McGregor said he retired and now he’s booking a fight with Dustin Poirier. We don’t know who should be the other guy, but I think I deserve this. It’s seven in a row, not one, and I don’t go the distance. I just need an opportunity.
But it’s not up to me or my team, it’s up to the UFC to look and analyze — but if they do it right, they’ll see it’s 10 years in the UFC, a 10-year road, and I’ve never turned down any opponent. This is my moment.
However, Oliveira said he believes the vacant belt will be fought for by Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor.
It’s not only fighting now, it’s business, it’s money, said Oliveira. It does bother me, I wanted the opportunity, but it’s not only up to me. I have to wait for my moment. I’ll make it happen. I’m No. 6 and no one ranked ahead of me wants to fight me. It will happen one day and I’ll prove my worth.
In the meantime, Oliveira wants a fight vs. anyone ranked ahead of him. if McGregor and Poirer fight, that leaves Justin Gaethje, Tony Ferguson, and Dan Hooker. UG, who do you want to see “Do Bronx” fight next?
