Charles Oliveira thinks a rematch with Justin Gaethje is the fight to make for the new UFC lightweight champion.
Gaethje (28-5 MMA, 11-5 UFC) seemingly has multiple options for his first title defense after he upset Ilia Topuriato claim undisputed gold at UFC Freedom 250 this month. With a head-to-head victory already on his resume, Oliveira (37-11 MMA, 25-11 UFC) thinks he’s the best choice.
Arman Tsarukyan, who beat Oliveira by split decision at UFC 300 in April 2024, has a rightful claim. The winner of the UFC 329 headliner between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway is also part of the public discourse.
Oliveira is here to make the case for himself, giving Gaethje a chance to avenge a first-round submission loss from UFC 274 in May 2022.
“I don’t think Justin is going to ask for a rematch,” Oliveira told Action Network in a recent interview. “He’s operating at a different level now as champion. But I’m right there in the queue to be the next title challenger. So why not make that fight?”In my mind, I believe I’m next in line for a title shot. We need to understand the timing of everything and see what happens.”
Oliveira most recently fought for the 155-pound belt in June 2025 when he challenged then-champ Topuria and was on the wrong end of a first-round knockout. He’s rebounded with a submission victory over Mateusz Gamrot in October and a dominant unanimous decision over Holloway in March’s UFC 326 headliner.
Tsarukyan (23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is the only person with an undeniable argument over Oliveira, but his complicated and often shaky relationship with the UFC brass adds some uncertainty around his potential opportunity.
Oliveira considers himself to be the most reliable contender, and given his history with Gaethje, he thinks the odds should shift in his favor as the top choice.
“What I always tell everyone is this: If you want to become champion, you have to go where the belt is,” Oliveira said. “For me, the location doesn’t matter. Wherever it is, I’ll be ready. And there would be a lot of people backing me, supporting me and cheering for me. It would be huge. It would be amazing.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Charles Oliveira makes case for Justin Gaethje after UFC title win
