Charles Oliveira has confirmed his UFC return, but some fans are worried.
On June 28, UFC 317 ended with Ilia Topuria who eliminated Charles Oliveira to remain unbeaten and to claim the empty lightweight title.
'Do Bronx' has been very successful with his aggressive striking style, but on this occasion it led him to be open to the devastating power of 'El Matador'.
The Wil van Gilbert Burns advised Oliveira to take the rest of the year off before they returned to a rematch with Max Holloway, where the fans seemed to be behind.
As has been confirmed, the former lightweight champion had other plans, which he recently revealed the motivation.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Charles Oliveira calls for the support of the fans while he is preparing to fight for the first time since 2020 in Brazil to fight in Brazil
Charles Oliveira and the UFC officially made it after a few first reports that he will return to the Headline UFC Rio on 11 October.
Oliveira will compete against the #10-ranged lightweight Rafael Fiziev in a matchup that many fans did not see, even if their styles should ensure an entertaining main event.
Although he could have had a fight against Max Holloway or Dan Hooker, which would have been bigger for him after he had only participated for the title, there was clearly one priority for the Brazilian.
At the age of 35, who knows how long he will compete and that means he could not look beyond the chance to set up a show in his home country.
In a video posted on social media, Oliveira spoke about his decision to make this fight and called for the support of the fans while he prepares to compete in Brazil for the first time in five years.
“So guys, I am very happy with this. I count on the positive energy of you all. Let's be there, anyway? In this positive mood so that everything works. I am so happy.
“Some will say one, others will say the other. But it has been a long, long time since I can fight in Brazil and again in Brazil is very important to me. To wear our flag in a huge way. I count on the positive energy of you all.”
Fans are concerned about Charles Oliveira after he returns a few months after booking UFC 317
Unfortunately for Charles Oliveira, while he calls for positive energy from his fans, many of the reactions to the news were exactly the opposite.
'Do Bronx' was clearly aware of the fact that people would have questions and worries, which he mentioned in his announcement video.
Fans were both surprised by this fight as his return and it happened only a few months after he was completed in a devastating way.
'Pension time for Oliveira. TEAR.'
“Why would Charles even take this fight?”
“This is sick for a fighting evening but sad for Charles.”
“Here Gooooo. Just worried Charles did not take enough time to recover. '
“That's too fast man.”
'Charles, we saw [Alexander] Volkanovski does this, this never ends well … Come on man. '