Charles Oliveira challenges Justin Gaethje and demands a rematch for the UFC lightweight title.

Justin Gaethje reveals what he learned from Charles do Bronx . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @justin_gaethje/ Charles do Bronx /Montage SUPER LUTAS

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After Justin Gaethje 's great performance against Ilia Topuria at UFC Casa Branca , held in Washington DC (USA), (14) June, Charles do Bronx put himself back in contention for the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). The current BMF champion, the Brazilian argued that a rematch against the American is the right fight to define the future of the category.

In an interview with Laerte Viana's channel, the former lightweight champion recalled their first encounter and highlighted that all the controversy surrounding the weigh-in at UFC 274 adds even more value to a possible rematch. On that occasion, the Brazilian was stripped of his belt after weighing in above the category limit by a small margin, a situation that still generates debate among fans and members of the MMA community.

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“It’s kind of annoying to talk about, but it’s good because of everything that happened in the past, the issue of not making weight—and everyone knows I did—being able to fight in his house, all of that aligns for us to have a rematch unifying the belts,” said the 'Blurred Lion'.

Subsequently, the São Paulo native reinforced that the confrontation has all the ingredients to be one of the biggest fights the UFC can promote in the coming months. For him, the history built since the first duel and the fans' interest make the rematch inevitable.

“Everyone knows the weight of my name, the whole world wants to see this fight. The weight cut. So this has weight. This is the fight to make,” declared the São Paulo native.

Relive Charles' victory over Gaethje at UFC 274.

Charles Oliveira submits Gaethje at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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The first encounter between the rivals took place in May 2022, in the main event of UFC 274 in Phoenix, United States. On that occasion, Charles do Bronx arrived at the event as the lightweight champion, but lost the belt on the scale, after exceeding the allowed limit for the category.

Even without the title on the line, the Brazilian delivered one of the most remarkable performances of his career. The fight began at a frantic pace, with both athletes landing hard blows and suffering knockdowns in the opening minutes.

Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, Justin Gaethje managed to stagger the Brazilian fighter on his feet. However, the Chute Boxe representative Diego Lima responded in kind and turned the fight into a true war from the very first seconds.

After surviving the most intense moments, Charles found his preferred path. In a quick transition on the ground, he took advantage of an opening left by his opponent, took his back and locked in a rear-naked choke at 3:22 of the first round, forcing the American to tap out.

The victory extended the Brazilian's dominant streak in the division and reinforced his status as one of the greatest lightweights in the organization's history. Now, four years after their first encounter, the two athletes are once again on the path to the title. With Gaethje at the top of the division and the São Paulo native back in contention for the belt, the rematch emerges as one of the most interesting fights in the UFC.

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