Charles Oliveira made it clear that he would welcome a BMF title fight with Nate Diaz. His comments come at an interesting time. Diaz is set to make his MMA return tonight on the first-ever MVP MMA event on Netflix.
Although Oliveira defeated Max Holloway in dominant fashion to capture the BMF title, he still faced criticism for his performance. Among those who critics was Diaz, who did not believe the matchup was worthy of the BMF moniker.
There has been speculation on the future of the BMF title after Oliveira’s win. However, he noted that his main focus remains regaining the UFC lightweight championship.
“[Ilia] Topuria and [Justin] Gaethje are going to fight now in June. So, I’m looking at a return in August or September,” Oliveira told CasinoHawks. “I heard the UFC might come back to Sao Paulo, nothing certain. So imagine defending the BMF belt in Sao Paulo? That would be massive.”
Despite being focused on the lightweight title picture, Oliveira would be open to fighting Diaz. If the Stockton native defeats Mike Perry tonight, it could set the stage for a UFC return. Oliveira vs. Diaz for the BMF title at welterweight could become a realistic option for the UFC matchmakers.
“Now they’re talking about [170 pounds], why not send Nate Diaz? But there’s a lot happening, loads of talk. Really, I’m more in that phase of sitting on the fence, just watching to see what move I need to make.”
Charles Oliveira Blasts Critics Following His BMF Title Win
Charles Oliveira also fired back at his critics following his BMF title victory over Max Holloway. Whether the criticism came from the likes of Nate Diaz or fans online, Oliveira appeared frustrated, as he believes he fought smart.
Oliveira pointed to his previous knockout loss to Ilia Topuria and explained how he learned from his mistakes. ‘Do Bronx’ also questioned critics, saying they do not understand what it truly takes to be successful in MMA.
“If I had stood and traded with Max Holloway like I did in other fights and got knocked out, what would you have said?” Oliveira told CasinoHawks. “Is it like a video game? Are you going to tell me on the internet how I’m supposed to fight? ‘Go in there just doing flashy stuff, just stay on the jab.’ Fighting doesn’t work like that.”
He added: “Every time I’ve had a strategy and gone away from it, I lose, and then the internet goes mad.”
Oliveira Says Critics Have Not Accomplished Anything
Oliveira also doubled down on his response to critics by claiming many of them have not accomplished anything themselves.
The former UFC lightweight champion pointed to how MMA has changed over the years. Oliveira believes those who truly understand the sport have a greater appreciation for the technical skills on display. Meanwhile, he said casual viewers expect every fight to turn into a slugfest.
“Today, MMA is for the man who thinks, for the man who studies, for the clever one who knows what he’s going to do so he doesn’t make mistakes,” Oliveira told CasinoHawks. “If you look at the big names, the elite, they talk about the art, the movement, the way it is done. Then you look at the ones criticizing, the ones talking nonsense. They haven’t won [expletive] all, done [expletive] all.”
Charles Oliveira Open to BMF Title Fight Against Nate Diaz