Oliveira explains why she is willing to let Connor challenge herself first

UFC China – The lightweight championship battle between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje is almost a foregone conclusion, and it's one of the most anticipated showdowns of 2022.

However, there are still variables in this duel. Former UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor recently engaged in a war of words with Oliveira on Twitter, saying he would challenge him directly for the title on his return.

In an interview a few days ago, Oliveira said that although Connor lost to Dustin Poirier twice in a row last year, he was still willing to let him challenge himself first over Gage. As for the reason, brazilians have also expressed their thoughts.

"In the past, if I had the opportunity to choose whether to challenge the championship or play against Connor, I would not hesitate to choose the former. And now that I've become a champion and have successfully defended it once, if I make the choice again now, I'll choose Connor, I'll choose to fight for more money. This championship belt is already mine and will always be with me, and I will continue to build my own career and make history. ”

Any player who competes against Connor will have the biggest payday of their lives, which is already recognized. So far, the 6 highest-grossing PPV events in UFC history have all been led by Connor, including two showdowns with Poisier last year. But when Connor will return to the field this year remains unknown.

Although Oliveira is only a young champion, he has held a number of UFC records since 2010, including the most surrenders in UFC history (15 times), the most finishes in UFC history (18 times), and the most extra bonuses in UFC history (18 times). Oliveira knew that playing against Connor would make his bank account truly worthy of his identity and honor.

"No one is a fool to avoid playing against Connor in order to constantly defend the championship belt? Who would do that? Only people with brain problems will. ”

"If I had the chance to play against Connor, I would definitely take it first, because the championship belt is mine anyway, and this magnitude has to stop and wait a while. We have to think about our families, for our children, and plan ahead for our lives after retirement. ”

Oliveira's more than a decade at the UFC has been a man of ups and downs, and he has reached the pinnacle of his career in recent years and become a lightweight champion. He said he didn't care what the top challengers of this magnitude complained about, because their complaints didn't change any reality.

"I went through this kind of thing, when I was in 7th place and I wanted to play against those top challengers and they rejected me one by one. Now I'm the champion here, I'm going with the UFC, and no matter who they put in place as my opponent, I'm going to fight. They want me to play Connor, I play Connor, they want me to play Gage, I play Gage. And now I just want to go home and have a good vacation with my family and get back on the field as soon as possible. (UFC China Dana)

Past interviews

Directed by Li Ke

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