In a recent interview with CasinoBeats, Charles Oliveira weighed in on Paddy Pimblett’s UFC 324 performance and whether the Brazilian is open to fighting Pimblett down the line.
Firstly, Oliveira stated that he has no interest in fighting ‘The Baddy.’ He says things would have been different if Pimblett had grabbed the interim lightweight title this past weekend at UFC 324 against Justin Gaethje. The 36-year-old opined that fighting with Pimblett ‘doesn’t make sense’ anymore.
If Paddy had won his last fight, then yes, it would have made sense [for me to fight Paddy], especially if he had the belt. But he lost, and he’s not even ranked above me. So that fight doesn’t make sense.”
The Brazilian submission artist also feels the same as critics do about the UFC 324 headliner. Although the bout featured constant back-and-forth, neither fighter showcased anything other than standing and trading in the pocket, and received backlash for the same.
‘Do Bronxs’ called out the Scouser for failing to use his wrestling against Justin Gaethje, which the former claims could have helped Pimblett turn the tide in his favor.
In his last fight, honestly, he didn’t show anything; he tried to just stand and trade. I thought he’d do what he usually does: pressure, take the fight to the ground. I think everyone expected that.”
After a subpar performance against ‘The Highlight, Charles Oliveira feels Paddy Pimblett has not earned a spot on the White House card. He added:
Paddy has not earned a spot on the White House card, definitely not. Right now, the only one who really has the chance is Justin Gaethje because he won the belt. If Topuria doesn’t move up, he’ll want to fight at the White House, and then they’ll unify the belts. Paddy definitely doesn’t deserve it.”
Recently, there have been rumours that Pimblett could be facing Conor McGregor on June 14. However, Charles Oliveira thinks Pimblett vs. McGregor does not make sense, especially after UFC 324.
No [Paddy will not fight Conor McGregor]. Like I said, if Paddy had won his last fight, it could have happened. But even then, would Paddy choose to fight for the title or fight Conor? Obviously, he’d choose the title. That’s why it doesn’t make sense.”
Charles Oliveira has his crosshairs on the UFC White House card
In the same interview, Charles Oliveira revealed that he wants to be a part of the June 14 card and fight on the South Lawn of the White House. However, for now, he has one thing on his mind: Beating Max Holloway at UFC 326 and grabbing the BMF strap.
Charles Oliveira added:
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to fight at the White House? To leave a legacy, to make history, that would be something huge, something that’s never happened before. If it happens now, it would be magical for me… As everyone knows, I focus on one thing at a time, and right now my full focus is on Max, putting on a great fight and getting a big win. That would definitely put me in a strong position to fight at the White House.”
This is the second time Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway are locking horns. In their first outing in 2015, ‘Blessed’ won by TKO after Oliveira suffered an injury and was unable to continue.
Over the years, both fighters have evolved. One now hails himself as the “Best Boxer in the UFC,” and the other is regarded as the Best Submission Artist. With their refined skill sets, this rematch promises to be a banger.
