Following Charles Oliveira’s UFC 269 submission win against Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor is voicing his desire to face the Bazilian champion next.
UFC 269 was a historic event that turned the MMA world upside down. In the co-main event, Julianna Peña sent shockwaves through the MMA community after upsetting Amanda Nunes for the 135-pound championship. After the upset, fans once again had to settle their nerves for the lightweight title fight between “Do Bronx” and the #1-ranked lightweight contender Dustin Poirier.
While Poirier had his moments and knocked the champion down in the first round, it was Charles Oliveira who once again rallied back in a title fight to hold onto his gold. Despite facing a violent barrage of strikes, Olveira’s persistency paid off and the champion secured a rear-naked choke in round three.
Conor McGregor Eyeballing Oliveira’s Gold
After the smoke cleared from one of the most impactful nights in combat sports, Conor McGregor took to social media and called his next shot.
So what date am I fighting Oliveira?
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 13, 2021
“So what date am I fighting Oliveira?” Conor McGregor posted Monday.
UFC 269 concluded with Oliveira registering his first title defense. McGregor wants the champion next but the broadcast and even UFC president Dana White have made it clear that Justin Gaethje will be next for a title shot at 155-pounds. After Charles Oliveira defeated Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje and the champion had a moment backstage and the world watched eagerly.
A new challenger approaches? 👀
[ @CharlesDoBronxs @Justin_Gaethje | #UFC269 ] pic.twitter.com/YL7ppEbl9h
— UFC (@ufc) December 12, 2021
Conor McGregor last stepped into the Octagon against Poirier in July. The Irish superstar broke his leg en route to a doctor stoppage loss. Poirier himself admitted the rivalry will never be over, and it seems there is an appetite to see a fourth fight. McGregor’s last victory came at welterweight against Donald Cerrone in Jan. 2020.
The lightweight picture certainly looks to be on the precipice of big changes. Despite the absence of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Oliveira has firmly taken control of the lightweight steering wheel. The Brazilian champion has been counted out before but has made the most of his time in the spotlight.
While Conor McGregor is attempting to jump the cue, it remains to be seen which direction the promotion will ultimately explore. Gaethje got back in the win column this year after losing to Nurmagomedov at UFC 254. In his most recent outing, Gaethje outworked Michael Chandler in a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender.
After earning his first title defense, Charles Oliveira is a hot commodity as we head into 2022. With McGregor and Gaethje calling his name, regardless, “Do Bronx” has a tough road ahead as UFC champion.
