Alexandre Pantoja wants to see Charles Oliveira make a major change after his title loss to Ilia Topuria.
Oliveira (35-11 MMA, 23-11 UFC) was knocked out by Topuria in their vacant title fight at UFC 317 in June. He is set to make a quick turnaround to headline UFC Fight Night 261 on Oct. 11 at Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro (ESPN+), which has many concerned about his health – including UFC flyweight champion Pantoja.
Pantoja has a suggestion for his fellow Brazilian Oliveira.
“I think everybody understands when we say he’s back too soon after a knockout like Topuria,” Pantoja said on the “Overdogs Podcast.” “But he has all the skills, you know? Charles likes to fight in this atmosphere, especially when he goes to Brazil – he has all the energy. He wants to fight with that energy. Just fight one time in Brazil, just like when I defended my belt last year. That made me so happy – you know, the responsibility. You need to win that fight.
“Everybody is there to see the Brazilian people with the belt and everything, but Charles likes this atmosphere. … And you know what I think? The weight cut is maybe too much. When you cut too much weight, you need to understand, all your water goes. Your brain has water. If you dry yourself too much, you will make yourself vulnerable. Maybe Charles is too heavy for that division. (Welterweight) would make it more easy for him.”
Oliveira is currently without a fight after original opponent Rafael Fiziev withdrew due to injury. Top lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot (25-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) threw his name in the hat, but the UFC is yet to make an announcement.
