Exclusive With UFC Star Charles Oliveira: ‘It’s About Who Wants it More, Who’s Hungrier’

Speaking exclusively to CasinoBeats, modern UFC great Charles Oliveira reviews Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje, previews his upcoming fight against Max Holloway, and reveals his ambition to fight at the White House.

Charles Oliveira Unplugged

Q: What kind of fight would Oliveira vs. Pimblett be?

If Paddy had won his last fight, then yes, it would have made sense [for me to fight Paddy], especially if he had the belt. But he lost, and he’s not even ranked above me. So that fight doesn’t make sense.

I have to think ahead. In his last fight, honestly, he didn’t show anything; he tried to just stand and trade. I thought he’d do what he usually does: pressure, take the fight to the ground. I think everyone expected that.

Paddy has not earned a spot on the White House card, definitely not. Right now, the only one who really has the chance is Justin Gaethje because he won the belt. If Topuria doesn’t move up, he’ll want to fight at the White House, and then they’ll unify the belts. Paddy definitely doesn’t deserve it.

No [Paddy will not fight Conor McGregor]. Like I said, if Paddy had won his last fight, it could have happened. But even then, would Paddy choose to fight for the title or fight Conor? Obviously, he’d choose the title. That’s why it doesn’t make sense.

Q: What advice would you give Justin if it’s Gaethje vs. Ilia next?

I wouldn’t give any advice to Justin if he faces Topuria next, because it’s a very similar fight. They’re both fighters who look for the fight and want the knockout.

Justin doesn’t have a plan B. His plan is to move forward and land shots. He’s a brawler. And on the other side, Topuria is also a brawler, hits hard, and has heavy hands. It would be a fight you can’t blink in, because either one could land and get the knockout.

Unfortunately, I made a lot of mistakes in that fight [against Topuria], and I lost. I think the right path is to apply pressure, to work, to strike on the feet, but always closing the distance, trying to take him down. That would be the key: pressure from start to finish, landing shots, taking him down, keeping him on the ground.

Q: Dustin Poirier said he’d come out of retirement for Justin Gaethje. Is it a good idea?

I think Dustin already has a great history. And especially now, with Justin holding the interim belt, anyone would come out of retirement for a fight like that. Regardless of the result, fans of the sport would have to give them a standing ovation because of the history both of them have.

Q: Does Topuria beat Arman in your opinion?

If Arman fights the way he usually does — pressuring and taking people down — then he would definitely win. But if he stays standing and trades, he’ll definitely get knocked out. That’s the key.

Q: How are you mentally and physically a month or so out?

Honestly, I’m really happy with everything that’s been happening up to now, with all the training. We were talking earlier and I said [to my coach], ‘Mate, I really think everything in life is about the mind, you know? How your spirit is.’ And honestly, I’m very happy. 

My mind and my spirit are in a really good place with everything that’s been happening so far. I hope it stays that way so that on fight night, we’re simply fully focused on doing what we were born to do.

Q: What’s been the focus in this camp?

I’m very focused on what we can bring into the cage, what Charles Oliveira can do well. I think that’s the most important thing. Of course, we have a big team, and no matter who the opponent is, they’re studying and putting together the best game plan.

But honestly, since we got back into training, I’ve kept my focus on what I can bring into the cage. Feeling good, being happy with my strategy, and with who I am as a fighter. People like watching me fight because I move forward, apply pressure, and look for the fight all the time. That’s what MMA is to me, a fighter who hunts the fight, who’s always chasing it and making things happen.

Q: What will be the deciding factor in this fight? Why do you beat Max?

I think, in reality, we’re two big names, me and Max. We’re both fighters who bring it and truly deliver a fight. But I’m a hunter. I look for the fight both on the feet and on the ground, and I think that’s the difference.

It’s about who wants it more, who’s hungrier. It doesn’t matter if the fight stays standing, I’m ready. If it goes to the ground, I’m ready. Whatever happens, I’m ready. That’s the difference. I’m an MMA fighter.

Q: Is your ambition to be on the White House card? Who would be your perfect opponent?

Honestly, who wouldn’t want to fight at the White House? To leave a legacy, to make history, that would be something huge, something that’s never happened before. If it happens now, it would be magical for me.

But there are a lot of things to consider. The first is whether Topuria moves up a weight class. If he does, the belt becomes vacant, and then you’ve got Justin with the interim belt, which could be unified into the undisputed title. There are many factors involved.

But I really want it. As everyone knows, I focus on one thing at a time, and right now my full focus is on Max, putting on a great fight and getting a big win. That would definitely put me in a strong position to fight at the White House.

Q: Have you renegotiated your deal in the new Paramount era?

Honestly, no, not yet. We haven’t renegotiated the contract. I’m still part of the team there, so I can’t criticize or comment too much. I saw what Justin said about not getting a pay rise, but it varies from fighter to fighter. When my contract comes up for renewal, we’ll see what happens, then I’ll be able to speak more clearly about it.

Q: What advice can you give boxers about signing with Dana White?

With all respect to other organizations, today the UFC is the biggest MMA organization in the world. I don’t know if it pays the most. I’ve never fought elsewhere, but the way I’m treated, the care I receive, I can only speak positively.

Without a doubt, Dana White wouldn’t create a boxing organization just to be another one. He’s coming to build a real boxing organization. So as a boxer, you need to understand the offer properly and sit down to talk about the best terms. But if Dana White calls you — especially if you’re a big boxing star — it would definitely be to make a lot of money.

Q: Would you compete in a boxing event in the future?

Why not? Absolutely [I would do a boxing match]. I’m open to big opportunities. Things that leave a legacy and become something huge in history.

Q: Is Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira the biggest fight you could make at the White House?

I think there are two massive fights that could happen [at the White House]: Poatan vs. Jon Jones, or Makhachev vs. another top contender, something people are already talking about. Both would be huge.

Q: Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman — who wins?

Honestly, that fight doesn’t make sense at all. But Islam would win. In my opinion, there are other contenders — Carlos Prates, Ian Garry, and Morales — three guys coming up strong. I think Ian is next. And if Topuria moved up, that would be ‘the’ fight to make. Bringing in someone else right now just doesn’t make sense.

Q: Prediction: Volk vs. Diego Lopes?

Honestly, without bias, I think Diego wins. Volk is tough and moves well, but Diego is improving fast. He’s aggressive, has great jiu-jitsu, strong striking, and constantly hunts the fight. I think this time, with the opportunity he has, his speed, style, and hunger, Diego takes it.