OL TAKE IT
Conor McGregor all-but offered UFC title fight against Charles Oliveira in January ahead of his long-awaited return
CHARLES OLIVEIRA wants to fight the returning Conor McGregor in a January homecoming in Brazil.
The ex-UFC lightweight champion is in line to face Khabib Nurmagomedov's protege Islam Makhachev.
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But Oliveira will only fight the No4 ranked contender if he is paid "a lot of money" by the UFC.
The Brazilian prefers a far more lucrative bout with McGregor.
He told : “I really want a fight with McGregor in Brazil, in January.
“That would be really nice. Everyone knows I’m interested in that fight because of the money.
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"But if the UFC wants me to fight Islam Makhachev next, they better put a lot of money in my bank account.
"The place doesn’t matter. I’m a professional, I’m the champ. Make it happen."
McGregor, 33, in July 2021 broke his leg in the first round of his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier, 33.
He has spent the last year rehabilitating and recovering with the Irishman edging towards a comeback date.
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Meanwhile Oliveira, 32, last fought in May when he submitted Justin Gaethje, 33, in round one.
But just a day beforehand, he saw himself stripped of the UFC title after weighing in 0.5lb over the 155lb limit.
Oliveira still considers himself the champ and wants his return bout towards the end of the year.
He said: “I enjoy fighting at the end or the beginning of the year. I’d really like to fight in November or December.
"If it were to happen around that time, though, I could wait until January to fight in Brazil.
"It’s been a while since the last time I fought time. It would be nice to fight close to my fans, friends and family.”
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