Following his recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira has received advice on his next steps, including a potential path back to a UFC title opportunity.
Last weekend at UFC 317, the popular Brazilian fighter failed to reclaim the UFC Lightweight Championship, suffering a brutal first-round knockout defeat against the undefeated Ilia Topuria.
Oliveira, a veteran of 35 UFC bouts, has experienced losses before, but this was arguably one of the most devastating of his career.
Turning 36 later this year, the journey back to challenging for the undisputed title, now held by Topuria, appears challenging.
Despite the setback, one former title challenger believes Oliveira could find himself fighting for a significant belt upon his return to the Octagon.
Gilbert Burns Suggests Charles Oliveira`s Next Opponent Should Be Max Holloway for the BMF Title
The BMF title is scheduled to be contested in the main event of UFC 318.
Current BMF Champion Max Holloway is set to defend his title against Dustin Poirier on July 19th in a fight widely expected to be Poirier’s last.
Oliveira has a history with both competitors. Early in his career, as a featherweight in 2015, Oliveira lost to Holloway via TKO due to an injury in the first round. Later, he successfully defended his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269 in 2021, securing a submission victory in the third round.
Top-10 UFC Welterweight Gilbert Burns recently commented on the situation, suggesting it`s time for Oliveira and Holloway to meet again.
“Charles, I think he gotta take six months off,” Burns stated during an appearance on the “Show Me The Money” show.
“1000% call Sean Shelby and tell him that I told him that he gotta fight Max Holloway,” Burns emphatically continued, addressing Oliveira and his team.
Burns outlined a potential timeline: “After Max Holloway’s fight with Dustin, Dustin is out. Dustin’s retired. Max [can] rest a little bit because [he’s fighting in July], this guy [maybe] fighting in December, January.”
“Make it BMF for Charles,” Burns concluded regarding the proposed matchup.
Gilbert Burns Believes BMF Title Fight Should Happen Regardless of UFC 318 Outcome
When asked about the possibility of Dustin Poirier winning and potentially retiring with the BMF belt, Burns maintained that the BMF title should still be on the line between Holloway and Oliveira.
“Doesn’t matter,” Burns replied concerning the outcome of a potential third fight between Poirier and Holloway at UFC 318.
There has been speculation that the Poirier vs. Holloway 3 bout later this month could be the final time the BMF title is contested.
However, title status aside, Burns offered his prediction for a hypothetical rematch between Holloway and Oliveira.
“I think Charles,” Burns stated, favoring the Brazilian in that matchup.
“I like this fight. Two legends,” he added, expressing enthusiasm for the potential bout.
“I don’t think they’re gonna make another run for a title [undisputed lightweight title],” Burns commented on the likelihood of either fighter challenging for the main belt again.
“But for the BMF, it’s a good fight,” he reiterated, suggesting the BMF title provides a suitable high-profile opportunity for both veterans.
Gareth Pendleton