UFC Legend Claims Dana White & Co. Is ‘Forcing’ Charles Oliveira to Take Islam Makhachev Rematch Against His Will

There’s drama brewing constantly in the lightweight division. Brimming with extraordinary talent, it’s only fair, right? But between Charles Oliveira, the #2 contender, and the reigning champ, Islam Makhachev? Well, a renowned birdie in the community has whispered that the UFC is actively trying to ‘force’ the Brazilian into a rematch with Makhachev.

So, let’s get this straight, the promotion’s approach to booking this fight isn’t about what’s best for the fighters, but about aligning with promotional interests. Classic move indeed! Chael Sonnen, of course, didn’t hold back in sharing his thoughts. He argued that Oliveira doesn’t actually want to face the Dagestani again, but that the UFC has been pushing him into a corner, trying to create a narrative where Oliveira has no choice but to accept the rematch.

“Charles does not want to fight Islam,” Sonnen remarked on his channel, straight-faced. “They’ve tried to act like Charles has this opportunity as a way of forcing him into it, and he ultimately showed them who has the real choice and didn’t show up for the fight. That’s just what happened. The idea of booking Charles and Islam is a little bit complicated in the first regard; you better not make that your main event.”

While Sonnen’s take might sound like a UFC power play, ‘Do Bronx’ himself seems to have a completely different view of the matter. In fact, after UFC 311, didn’t we see it? The Brazilian made it crystal clear that he’s not just open to the idea of a rematch with the Dagestan champ, he’s downright eager for it.

Seated cage side for Makhachev’s dominant first-round submission victory over Renato Moicano, the former lightweight champ wasted no time in publicly declaring his intentions. “It was a great fight,” Oliveira said in a post-fight video released by UFC. “He is the champion. He did what he had to do. But I’m next, and he knows that. The lightweight champion is called Charles Oliveira. I’m ready for that.”

This wasn’t just some casual remark. It was a bold statement signaling that his hunger for a rematch is real, despite his loss to Makhachev at UFC 280. Oliveira’s bounce-back win over Michael Chandler at UFC 309 has put him in a prime position to challenge for the title again. But why is everyone forgetting Arman Tsarukyan? One back pain and he’s too weak?

Chael Sonnen expresses his skepticism in truly ‘believing’ in Charles Oliveira

Despite Tsarukyan earning his shot at the title, Dana White made it clear that he won’t be granting the Armenian a rematch with Makhachev anytime soon. Following his last-minute withdrawal from UFC 311 due to a back injury, the landscape of the card shifted drastically. It forced the UFC to scramble, finding a replacement in the form of Renato Moicano.

Top Comment by Andy

Charles is most definitely not afraid to face Islam. He’s Grapling is second to none and people forget when Islam...more

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The UFC boss, of course, didn’t mince words at the post-fight press conference, stating that Tsarukyan will have to fight his way back to the title because “he’s going back to the drawing board.” Even though Tsarukyan boasts a 9-1 record since his loss to Makhachev in 2019, Dana’s not having it.

Now, back to Oliveira. His intentions? Crystal clear. He’s gunning for that title shot. But while Charles is eager to go, Dana White and the UFC might not be so eager to align with his enthusiasm. Sonnen, ever the skeptic, has a rather backhanded compliment for Oliveira. He claims, “I don’t pick on him at all. He’s proven he’s great. He’s the second-best fighter in the division. He is proven he’s the second-best fighter in the division. That’s pretty damn impressive.”

Funny how Sonnen’s ‘confidence’ in Oliveira always seems to come with a side of hesitation. Whether it was last year or this year, he’s never exactly been a believer in the Brazilian as the real deal. But hey, Sonnen’s theory that the UFC is cornering Oliveira into this rematch does hold a bit of weight.

Still, his bold declaration that he’s “next” tells a different story. This isn’t just about the UFC pulling strings. It’s about a fighter who knows exactly what he wants and isn’t waiting for anyone’s approval, least of all Sonnen’s. So, while the UFC plays its hand, Oliveira’s ready to take what he believes is his. What’s your take? Is the UFC forcing Oliveira into this? Or does he have the right to take charge of his own destiny? Let us know below!