Charles Oliveira wants all of Justin Gaethje’s belts! “There’s nowhere to run”

Charles Oliveira would love to face off against Justin Gaethje again. “The Bronx” has a score to settle with the American, and a potential rematch could have exceptionally high stakes. The Brazilian would also like to claim the special belt won by the champion at the event held near the White House.

Justin Gaethje is the current UFC lightweight champion. Following his historic victory at UFC Freedom 250, which took place at the White House, there was speculation that he might retire. However, “The Highlight” quickly put those rumors to rest. The American still wants to fight, and his targets include Oliveira and Max Holloway, among others.

He certainly has something to prove against the first of those two. Gaethje faced Oliveira at UFC 274 in 2022 and was submitted in the very first round. If the Brazilian is now given the opportunity to fight for the championship, he’ll be eager to repeat that success.

Charles Oliveira is aiming for three belts in his fight against Gaethje

For his victory over Ilia Topuria, Gaethje received a special belt commemorating the historic event held near the White House. Oliveira wouldn’t mind if that trophy were also on the line in their potential rematch.

“to the Bronx,” in an interview with reporter Bia Galev, recalled that he had initially spoken of two championship belts. Internet users were quick to point out, however, that there could actually be as many as three trophies up for grabs.

“ That’s exactly what I said: there’s nowhere to run. And one more thing—I mentioned two [belts], and people on the Internet started writing, ‘Not two, but three! There’s the White House belt, the lightweight belt, and the BMF belt.’”

The Brazilian is definitely fine with that scenario.

– All right, then, let’s put all three on the scale. No problem at all.

Oliveira himself currently holds the symbolic BMF title. “do Bronxs” earned it in March when he faced Max Holloway. The bout may not have delivered the fireworks expected from such a matchup, but the Brazilian effectively utilized his ground game and won by unanimous decision.

This was a very important return to winning ways for him. Previously, the former lightweight champion had been knocked out by Ilia Topuria.

The question remains whether Oliveira will be the one to get the next shot at the undisputed 155-pound division championship. Arman Tsarukyan also has a case to make; he is set to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331. The Armenian fighter’s team told Ariel Helwani that, should he win, he is guaranteed a title shot.

However, as UFC history has shown time and again, such promises don’t always hold up in reality. If Tsarukyan defeats Ruffy, the organization’s leadership may therefore face an interesting choice. Oliveira, meanwhile, is making it clear—if he gets Gaethje, he’d love nothing more than to fight for all of his titles right away.