Paddy Pimblett talked about former UFC champion Charles Oliveira as one of many potential names subsequent for him after he dismantled Michael Chandler at UFC 314 on April 12, however the Brazilian isn’t excited about dealing with Pimblett proper now.
Talking with Portal do Vale Tudo in Brazil, “Do Bronx” defined why “I don’t even take into consideration” reserving a combat with Pimblett subsequent. The Chute Boxe Diego Lima light-weight stated Pimblett had the “excellent” technique for Chandler at UFC 314, however thinks Chandler got here again too early after struggling leg harm of their combat this previous November.
“I’m fascinated with combating for a belt, so there’s no motive to consider guys which are [ranked] beneath me, solely these forward of me,” Oliveira stated. “He’s a troublesome child, he’s on a very good rise, combating very well, however I don’t even give it some thought. All these guys [ranked below] come saying speaking [crap] attempting to get a combat and get to the highest. They’re not incorrect, each sells a combat their method. There was a time I poked at others to get a combat with high 5 guys. It’s half [of the game]. It might be a terrific combat, however not for the second I’m in proper now.”
The light-weight title image is trying a bit complicated in the intervening time with 155-pound king Islam Makhachev apparently ready to see who emerges with the welterweight strap between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 on Might 10 (Makhachev is mates and coaching companions with Muhammad, so he’s doubtless solely to chase a second title if Della Maddalena wins). Ilia Topuria has additionally inserted his identify within the dialog after vacating the featherweight belt to maneuver as much as light-weight.
Oliveira initially had solely two potential opponents in thoughts: Makhachev for UFC gold or “BMF” titleholder Max Holloway, however now cites a brand new situation to face a distinct man.
“I’m going for the belt. That’s what I would like,” Oliveira stated. “I’ve talked about the BMF as a result of I assumed Islam would solely come again in October and I wished to combat at Worldwide Struggle Week [on June 28], however then Islam stated he needs to combat on Struggle Week and I ended taking a look at Max Holloway for the BMF belt. He’s aiming for the date I would like, however now there’s this confusion.
“I would like the belt, however I don’t run from anybody. I by no means ran, and gained’t begin working now. I’m able to combat any of these guys. I respect them, however I’ll impose my rhythm and my sport. Why not [Topuria]? If it’s for the belt, why not combat Topuria? I’m going for the title. I don’t need to combat one other combat after which look forward to the title. That doesn’t curiosity me.”
Oliveira urged an interim title bout with Topuria if Makhachev certainly jumps as much as 170 kilos to pursue a second belt if Della Maddalena is victorious. And Oliveira gained’t overlook the person who has knocked out the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Holloway at featherweight.
“No matter what [Topuria] says or doesn’t say, he’s tremendous robust and deserves all of the respect on the earth,” Oliveira stated. “He was doing properly in his weight class, transfer up as a result of he believes he could make issues occur on this weight class, so it might undoubtedly be a terrific combat.”
