Charles Oliveira Eyes UFC 311 Winner for Rematch

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will be in attendance at UFC 311 this Saturday night, closely watching the main event between Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. The winner could face Oliveira in a highly anticipated rematch.

Oliveira, who lost to Makhachev in October 2022 and to Tsarukyan in April 2024, is eager for another shot at the title. “They have similar styles, I think Islam is a little bit ahead,” Oliveira said in an interview. “But for me, it doesn’t matter who wins. I’m the next.”

The Brazilian fighter, known as “do Bronx,” expressed his readiness to fight as soon as possible, though he acknowledged that the winner of UFC 311 may need time to recover. “It depends on how they will leave the fight,” Oliveira said. “For me, it doesn’t matter. I will fight in February, March if I could, but it will depend on how the fight goes.”

Oliveira confirmed he will be at the Intuit Dome to witness the bout firsthand. “I will be there even if I have to sit close to the cage,” he said.

Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight champion, is defending his title against Tsarukyan in a rematch of their 2019 fight. Both fighters have evolved significantly since their first encounter, making this a highly anticipated showdown.

In a last-minute change, Arman Tsarukyan was replaced by Renato Moicano due to injury, adding an unexpected twist to the event. Meanwhile, the main card also features a pivotal light heavyweight bout between Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, with Hill entering as the favorite.

Oliveira’s presence at UFC 311 underscores his determination to reclaim the lightweight title. Whether he faces Makhachev or Tsarukyan, the Brazilian fighter is ready to prove he belongs at the top of the division.