Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has expressed openness to returning to the 145-pound featherweight division, though he admits uncertainty about his ability to make weight. Speaking during a fan Q&A in Brazil, Oliveira outlined a ambitious plan involving multiple title pursuits before possibly dropping down. His immediate focus remains on an upcoming rematch with Max Holloway at UFC 326.
Charles Oliveira, the 36-year-old Brazilian fighter with a record of 36-11 and 1 NC, recently discussed his career ambitions during a Q&A session with fans on Thursday night in Brazil. As the headliner of UFC 326, scheduled for March 7 in Las Vegas, Oliveira will rematch Max Holloway for the BMF title, aiming to avenge his loss to Holloway from summer 2015 in UFC Saskatoon.
Oliveira began his UFC career at featherweight in 2010 but moved to lightweight after struggling with weight cuts, missing the 145-pound limit multiple times. Nearly a decade later, he has not ruled out a return to the division for a significant opportunity. "I think I can still make 145 if it’s for the title," Oliveira said, via Canal Encarada. He described a hypothetical path: winning the BMF belt, then challenging for the lightweight title later in the year, relinquishing both, and dropping to 145 for another title shot. "I don’t know if it was a dream I just had or something from my imagination... But I don’t know if I was dreaming or just going crazy. I don’t know. We’ll see."
However, Oliveira expressed doubts about cutting to 145 pounds, noting that moving up to 170 pounds welterweight might be easier. He mentioned reaching 185 pounds a month after lightweight fights but believes three or four months of preparation could allow a featherweight cut. A marquee matchup, such as against Conor McGregor, could entice him for legacy reasons, though his primary focus is lightweight. "The full focus right now is lightweight. Win now and get another shot at the title," he stated.
Oliveira emphasized that any featherweight return would require a compelling fight, underscoring his history of weight issues at 145 pounds.