Coach: Charles Oliveira Hopes to Rematch Islam Makhachev Before Ramadan

Trainer Diego Lima says Charles Oliveira has a date in mind for his rematch against reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

“My plan was to start talks with the UFC [Wednesday], but [Ian] Garry just arrived, so possibly [Thursday] we will have a meeting to decide. Charles wants that rematch with Makhachev in March [at UFC 299] before Ramadan, so that will be our main focus,” Lima said. “But if the UFC wants us to wait for Ramadan, we will do it. We are not in a hurry. The most important thing for us is to have Charles face Islam next.”

Lima has also considered the possibility of a rumored card in Brazil, which according to American Top Team trainer Marcos da Matta will be announced for May 4 in Rio de Janeiro.

"It´s gonna be a chess match. Fighting in March would be our priority, but for sure one of Charles’ dreams is to fight for the belt in front of his home fans. The UFC already announced [Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera 2] as title fight for UFC 299.… UFC 300 could have [Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler] and it will be Ramadan in April, so UFC 301 in May can be a possibility.”

Oliveira last appeared at UFC 289, where he stopped Beneil Dariush via technical knockout on June 10. “Do Bronx” was supposed to rematch Makhachev at UFC 294 in October, but a cut suffered in training forced him to pull out of the contest.