Charles Oliveira has been out since winning the BMF title from Max Holloway at UFC 326. He was rumored to return at UFC 331, but those plans never materialized.
However, Oliveira now appears focused on newly crowned lightweight champion Justin Gaethje for a rematch nearly four years after their first meeting.
Oliveira and Gaethje first met at UFC 274 on May 7, 2022. The Brazilian star missed weight, which made Gaethje the only fighter eligible to win the vacant lightweight title. However, Oliveira won the bout with a rear-naked choke at 3:22 of the opening round. The victory extended his winning streak to 11 fights at that time.
Gaethje recently dominated Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to win the lightweight title. He finally captured the belt after two unsuccessful attempts. 'Do Bronx' has remained out since UFC 326 and continues pursuing their rematch. He has also made his case for receiving the title shot over other contenders.
With all due respect, I'm not looking backward. I'm looking forward. I want to fight for the title. That's what I'm focused on. There's a story there. And now he's the champion. I have no problem with that. The rematch doesn't need to be in Brazil. Just like I went to his home turf before, it can be in his backyard, it can be in Las Vegas, on the street corner, in Japan, anywhere in the world. I just need one phone call telling me the date and time. So if the UFC wants a story, what bigger story is there than that?
Charles Oliveira via Olhar Da LutaOliveira's last undisputed title fight came at UFC 317 in 2025. His bid to become a two-time champion ended with a brutal knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. However, Oliveira quickly returned at UFC Rio in October 2025, submitting Mateusz Gamrot before defeating Holloway at UFC 326 to win the BMF title.
This is not the first time Oliveira has called out Gaethje. After UFC Freedom 250, Oliveira sent support to Topuria despite their UFC 317 meeting. He then immediately offered the champion a rematch with both the lightweight and BMF titles on the line, giving their second meeting major stakes and another chance to settle their rivalry.
This is not the only fight Oliveira has been linked to recently. The Brazilian also revealed he was the first choice for Conor McGregor's return at UFC 329. However, Oliveira blamed McGregor for avoiding the matchup and instead facing Holloway in a trilogy fight. That bout disappointingly ended with a knee injury for the Irishman.
However, Gaethje has revealed plans to sit out the rest of the year after already fighting twice in 2026. Before UFC Freedom 250, the American lightweight champion stopped Paddy Pimblett's rise at UFC 324 to win the interim title. Gaethje is currently serving an 180-day medical suspension following his latest fight.
All attention now turns to Charles Oliveira, who was predicted to face Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331. However, it is rumored that he pulled out at the last minute. A bout against Justin Gaethje would now give 'Do Bronx' a major chance to return to the title picture and potentially reclaim undisputed gold.
Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan first met at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The lightweight bout went the full 15 minutes, with the Armenian star securing a split-decision victory. Two judges scored the fight 29-28 for Tsarukyan, while the third awarded Oliveira a 29-28 score.
Both fighters have taken different paths since UFC 300. Tsarukyan only fought once afterward, submitting Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in 2025. However the Brazilian has fought four times and has challenged for the lightweight title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 before defeating Max Holloway at UFC 326 to win the BMF title.
Rematch rumors dominated UFC 331 discussions, but Tsarukyan was ultimately booked againstMauricio Ruffy in the co-main event.
Many believed Oliveira withdrew at the last minute following the passing of his close friend and UFC fighter Allan Nascimento. However, Oliveira has now clarified the situation from his side.
No, actually this fight was offered to me. I said it wasn't very feasible, it's impossible, there wasn't time for that fight. That fight could go on from November to December, that's all that was said. But then what happened with Allan happened, and we soon saw what happened with Ruffy coming in.
Charles Oliveira via Olhar Da LutaIf ArmanTsarukyan prevails at UFC 331, the UFC has already promised him a lightweight title shot. Justin Gaethje is also interested in facing the Armenian star.
However, it remains to be seen where Charles Oliveira will fit into the 155-pound title picture after clarifying his UFC 331 situation.
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