Charles Oliveira not closing the door on featherweight: “If Dana White gave me the opportunity to go back down to featherweight and win, I’d take it”

By Chris Taylor - May 15, 2021

Charles Oliveira is not closing the door on a return to featherweight after defeating Michael Chandler for the lightweight title at tonight’s UFC 262 event.

Charles Oliveira, UFC 262

Oliveira (31-8 MMA) and Chandler (22-6 MMA) squared off for the promotions vacant lightweight title this evening in Houston.

Michael Chandler was looking to earn his fourth consecutive knockout when he took to the Octagon at UFC 262. The former Bellator title holder had made his promotional debut back in January, where he earned a first round knockout victory over Dan Hooker.

Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira had entered tonight’s headliner sporting an impressive eight-fight winning streak. During that stretch ‘Do Bronx’ had earned seven finishes, with his lone decision victory coming in lopsided fashion over Tony Ferguson.

Tonight’s UFC 262 main event proved to be a tale of two rounds. Michael Chandler was able to get off to a strong start in round one, hurting Charles Oliveira on number of occasions. However, things changed drastically in the opening seconds of round two. ‘Do Bronx’ landed a big right hand that had the former Bellator title holder hurt and promptly finished him off with a plethora of punches.

Charles Oliveira. Michael Chandler

Charles Oliveira TKO’s Michael Chandler at UFC 262 (via @ufc)

Following tonight’s spectacular comeback win, Oliveira discussed the possibility of returning to featherweight (via TSN’s Aaron Bronsteter).

“Me and my camp talk a lot about this and I still feel like a featherweight. If Dana White gave me the opportunity to go back down to featherweight and win (a championship?), I’d take it.”

Charles Oliveira has competed at featherweight twelve times under the UFC banner, amassing a record of 7-5. During that stretch ‘Do Bronx’ missed the featherweight limit of 146-pounds on four different occasions.

Would you like to see Oliveira attempt to become at two-division UFC champion or do you think he would be better off staying at lightweight? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!

 


Topics:

Charles Oliveira Dana White Michael Chandler UFC UFC 262