OLIVEIRA Wants GAETHJE ANSWER: "Find Out What He PLANS To Do"

Charles Oliveira says a win over Diego Lopes at UFC 335 should put him next for the lightweight title — if champion Justin Gaethje is still fighting.

"The first step is for the UFC to sit down with Gaethje and find out exactly what he plans to do."

Charles Oliveira said that to Sherdog. He defends the BMF title against Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on Dec. 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

After that, he wants the undisputed lightweight belt. The problem is simple. Nobody knows if the champion plans to defend it.

The Question Over Gaethje

Gaethje has talked about retirement. He has also talked about a fight with Conor McGregor.

Oliveira noted the mixed signals. Gaethje says he will not fight this year, but he would make an exception for McGregor.

That leaves the whole division waiting. Contenders cannot plan a title run when the champion may walk away.

Two Roads To The Belt

Oliveira beat Gaethje before, when they met for the lightweight title. He knows a rematch sells itself.

He also gave credit to the other man in line. Arman Tsarukyan, he said, deserves a shot too.

"If he retires, then it's me and Arman fighting for the vacant title."

— Charles Oliveira, to Sherdog

So the picture is clear. If Gaethje stays, Oliveira or Tsarukyan gets him next. If Gaethje retires, Oliveira expects to fight Tsarukyan for the vacant belt.

No Apology For The Holloway Win

Oliveira also answered critics of his last fight. His grappling-heavy win over Max Holloway drew complaints that it did not fit the BMF name.

He is not bothered. He said he neutralized Holloway in a way no other fighter has done, and he is now fighting with more strategy and awareness.

Let that sink in. The BMF champion is playing the long game — win in December, then force the lightweight picture to give him an answer.

Will Gaethje defend, retire, or leave Oliveira and Tsarukyan to fight over an empty throne?