Oliveira: There’s “no Doubt” Win Over Ferguson Should Bring Title Shot

It’s not clear right now what the future holds for the UFC’s lightweight title. But, the way Charles Oliveira sees it, if he beats Tony Ferguson at UFC 256, the belt’s future includes him.

Oliveira says there’s “no doubt” UFC 256 win should lead to title shot

The surging lightweight is booked to face Ferguson (25-4) at the December 12th event, which will mark the first time the latter has fought since May. Ferguson faced Justin Gaethje that month at UFC 249, and was stopped in round five.

Prior to the loss, Ferguson had won 12 straight bouts. 

Oliveira (29-8), meanwhile, hasn’t fought since March when he submitted Kevin Lee. The victory extended the winning streak of ‘do Bronx’ to seven.

Well, recently Oliveira spoke with MMA Fighting. While discussing what he believes a win over Ferguson should deliver, the noted finisher said this.

“It’s very clear: Whoever wins this fight is the next title contender,” Oliveira said. “I have to stay focused and concentrated.

He was coming off 12 wins in a row and I think he made a mistake against Justin Gaethje, so we can’t make mistakes in there.”

“Winning this fight I’ll be the next challenger, no doubt,” he said. “Seven wins in a row at the moment.

It will be eight after this, and I don’t plan on leaving it in the judges’ hands. It will be eight finishes in a row.

There’s no way I have to wait. I’m the next challenger.”

The bout is taking place at an interesting and uncertain time for the lightweight division, as champion Khabib Nurmagomedov announced he is retiring in October. Since then, there’s been extensive discussion and speculation about whether Khabib is actually done fighting. 

Oliveira, however, seems to think the undefeated star is.

“Conor McGregor retired many times, Paul Felder retired many times; they all retire and come back,” Oliveira said.

“But we’re talking about Khabib. His family, his religion, the man says he’s retired. Someone told me that he sworn on his father’s grave that he wouldn’t fight anymore.

If that’s true, there’s no way he comes back. If he comes back, he would be going over his own word and his own father.

If that’s true, the guy won’t come back. It’s over.”

Could Oliveira receive a title shot with win?

So, there’s no doubt that on account of Oliveira’s winning streak, if he beats Ferguson – one of the greatest lightweights of this generation – he’ll have a very, very strong case for a title shot.

But, as anyone who follows MMA a lot knows,  that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll get one.

If Conor McGregor beats Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 next month, he very well could be tapped for a title shot. Michael Chandler and Justin Gaethje are also in the mix.