Following Justin Gaethje’s title-winning performance against Ilia Topuria at UFC White House, Oliveira has made it clear that he wants the next shot at the newly crowned champion.
The former titleholder sees the matchup as a chance to revisit unfinished business from one of the most controversial moments of his career.
Both Belts on the Line
The two first met at UFC 274 in Arizona in 2022. Oliveira entered fight week as champion but was stripped of the belt after missing weight by half a pound. He has long maintained that he successfully made weight and questioned the circumstances surrounding the official result.
Despite losing the title on the scale, Oliveira went on to submit Gaethje later that night.
Now, with Gaethje holding the undisputed lightweight belt and Oliveira carrying the BMF title, the Brazilian sees the timing as perfect for a rematch, according to an interview with MMA Fighting.
“The champion is Justin Gaethje, and I definitely want that fight.”
“There’s nothing better than putting both belts on the line, the BMF title and the lightweight championship.”
History Adds More Meaning to the Fight
Oliveira said he is currently waiting to hear from the UFC as discussions begin regarding his next appearance.
His coach and manager, Diego Lima, was in Las Vegas during UFC Vegas 119, and Oliveira expects talks with promotion officials to help determine what comes next.
“I’m just waiting for a phone call.”
Oliveira also referenced controversial circumstances surrounding their first fight.
“There’s everything that happened with the weigh-in, the fact that I fought in his backyard and that my belt was taken from me there. There’s a lot of history behind this matchup.”
“This fight has to happen.”
Open to Fighting Anywhere for the Belt
Although Oliveira would welcome a championship fight in Brazil, he insists the location is not his main concern.
The former champion has no shortage of experience fighting in hostile territory. During his championship run, he defended and challenged for titles in the United States and Abu Dhabi. Most recently, he defeated Max Holloway in Las Vegas to capture the BMF belt.
“I’ve learned something throughout my life and my career: when you want something, you have to go after it,”
“I’m chasing a title, so I have to go wherever that title is. But when I became champion I had to defend my belt in his backyard. So why not in Brazil, or anywhere else in the world?”
Gaethje has indicated there is only a slim chance he competes again before the end of 2026. If that remains the case, Oliveira is willing to be patient for a title unification bout next year.
“I like to stay active. I like to keep fighting and making things happen. But if it’s for a title unification fight, and the chance to make history once again, then why not stay on the sidelines for a while?”