WATCH: Charles Oliveira gets mobbed by fans at UFC 283
UFC 283 marks the return of the UFC to Brazil after a three-year wait. The year's first pay-per-view brought fans out in force, most notably to see the former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
Known for their passion, Brazilian fans are avid mixed martial arts enthusiasts and have a rich culture of combat sports. Throughout UFC history, Brazilian champions have been a staple on the roster. Deiveson Figueiredo currently rules the roost in the flyweight division while Alex Pereira most recently completed his middleweight takeover.
The country loves its champions but spares no love for its former champions. Oliveira was dethroned as the lightweight king before failing to defeat Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 for the title.
Charles Oliveira was in attendance at UFC 283 and fans thronged the venue to get a glimpse of him. In a video uploaded to YouTube by ESPN MMA, 'Do Bronx' is seen being escorted by a security team as fans clamor to take a selfie with him. One fan aptly sums up the experience in the end by shrugging at the frenzy caused by Oliveira.
Check out this short clip of Oliveira being mobbed by his fans on YouTube:
Charles Oliveira details his fight plans for the upcoming year
Charles Oliveira intends to come back and fight for the lightweight title in 2023. He addressed his loss against Islam Makhachev in an interview prior to UFC 283.
Oliveira explained that one poor performance was not definitive of him and was confident of going up against Makhachev again for the title.
"I had 10 minutes of a bad night and I wouldn't change anything. This fight will happen again. I'll fight in April-May and God will bless me, and later this year I'll fight him again."
Check out his comments below:
Charles Oliveira on an Islam Makhachev rematch: I had 10 minutes of a bad night and I wouldn't change anything. This fight will happen again. I'll fight in April-May and God will bless me, and later this year I'll fight him again.
Oliveira also spoke about a potential fight against Conor McGregor, a matchup he has been seeking since his days as champion. He expressed his continued readiness to face the Irishman but stated that it was unlikely with McGregor aware of what awaited him in the octagon.
He said:
"I've asked for this fight and he says nothing, and I won't say it anymore. When he wants it, I'm ready... Conor McGregor chickened out a long time ago, he picks his fight. He's right to avoid me because he knows what would happen."
Check out his comments in the tweets below:
Charles Oliveira on fighting Conor McGregor: I've asked for this fight and he says nothing, and I won't say it anymore. When he wants it, I'm ready.
Jose Aldo jokes that McGregor is big now that USADA "isn't knocking on his door."
Charles Oliveira: Conor McGregor chickened out a long time ago, he picks his fight. He's right to avoid me because he knows what would happen.