Charles Oliveira is one of the finest lightweight fighters in the UFC. Recently, Do Bronx got on Twitter to chat with UFC Legend Michael Bisping. Bisping asked who qualified to be Oliveira’s ‘Fighter of the Year’. 2022 was a great year for the promotion. But one fighter dominated all. And, most of the MMA community expected him to say one name, Islam Makhachev. However, he had a rather surprising name.

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s student put forth a dominant display against Oliveira to clinch his Lightweight championship title. But Oliveira shocked fans and took another fighter’s name.

Charles Oliveira crowned Alex Pereira as ‘Fighter of The Year’

Charles Oliveira named Alex Pereira to be his ‘Fighter of the Year’ after he defeated the former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya to claim the championship belt. Pereira showed patience and technique to dominate his kickboxing rival from the past.

The duo faced each other at Madison Square Garden in New York as the main event for UFC 281. Also, ‘Poatan’ became the only fighter to defeat Adesanya multiple times. And these factors left a huge impression on his fellow countryman.

READ MORE: Charles Oliveira Record: Who Has He Lost to and How Long Was His Undefeated Streak?

Top Stories

Sean Strickland Passes on UFC White House Opportunity in Yet Another Bold Confession

Nina Drama Clowns Andrew Tate as Disrespected Ex-UFC Star Abruptly Leaves Mid-Fight

Florida Commission Draws Fire After Silva vs. Woodley Even as Israel Adesanya Cheers His “Sempai”

Who Is Arman Tsarukyan’s Father? Nairi Tsarukyan’s Net Worth, Profession & Businesses

Mike Tyson Reacts to Conor McGregor Giving Him Boxing Lessons: “This Guy Is So..”

However, Israel Adesanya was understandably not happy with the outcome of their bout. ‘The Stylebender’ made noise to let fans know he’s ready for a rematch. Even ‘Poatan’ felt the same. In an interview with media personality Ariel Helwani, he revealed an interest in a potential rematch with Adesanya.

Oliveira shared his thoughts about Pereira and wrote, “The man beat a great & very talented champ to capture the 185 belt.” He thus justified his choice over Makhachev.

Certainly, Pereira deserved to be on the list, but Makhachev did more than enough to ensure his place on top. But Charles Oliveira chose ‘Poatan’ ahead of Nurmagomedov’s protégé, Makhachev.

Alexander Volkanovski is gearing up for Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is ready to take on Alexander Volkanovski. The Dagestani doesn’t want to slow down after he claimed the lightweight belt. Moreover, Khabib Nurmagomedov pushed Makhachev to achieve the ultimate goal of the UFC. The pound-for-pound best fighter belt. Volkanovski waits to test Makhachev’s resolve to claim the title.

Volkanovski took up Conor McGregor’s advice to bulk up for his next move to the lightweight division. The 5’6” fighter looks to claim the title of a double-champion in the UFC, which only a few have achieved so far. The Volkanovski-Makhachev match-up isn’t official yet. But fans already believe it to be one of the most anticipated bouts in recent memory.

Who was your ‘Fighter of the Year’?

WATCH THIS STORY: Conor McGregor, Michel Pereira & Jorge Masvidal: Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson Discloses Contenders for Next Fight