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Charles Oliveira is looking to get back into title contention with a win over Beneil Dariush at UFC 288. Oliveira recently lost to newly-owned champion Islam Makhachev, and is gunning for a rematch. In his way stands Beneil Dariush, who holds a eight fight win-streak.
Oliveira spoke on MMA Fighting's Trocação Franca on how he plans to approach the fight, and said:
"Charles walks forward. He hunts the entire time. So if you want to watch a boring fight, don't come watch my fight...I want it so bad. I want to become champion again, I want to win. I want to make history. I'm hungry to win. I'm like a lion hunting."
His comments were a response to the suggestion that he might adopt a more strategic approach, for lack of a better word. The Brazilian has always put himself in the fire and taken the fight to his opponents, drawing them under pressure and overwhelming them both on the feet, as well as the ground.
Oliveira shunned the idea of waiting more and countering and instead, doubled down on what he believes are his strengths.
The 33-year-old opened as the betting underdog against Dariush.
Charles Oliveira to take on Beneil Dariush, Aljamain Sterling to face Henry Cejudo at UFC 288
Oliveira will face Dariush in what is sure to be a number one contender fight at lightweight. That being said, lightweight is not the only division that will see some change at the very top.
The main event will see Aljamain Sterling welcome back Henry Cejudo to the octagon, and defend his 135 lb strap. The two previewed their fight, with Cejudo stating:
"Listen Aljamain, you're going to come out aggressive. You're going to come out and kick, throw the front kicks, you're going to shoot from a mile away. I already know! My IQ bro, I'm too smart for you. If I have to go Mexican style, I will bring the war to you. I have two options of kicking your a*s."
Cejudo then vowed that he would "take your (Sterling) a*s out."
Watch Cejudo and Sterling go back and forth here:
With a win, Cejudo will certainly add to his already impressive legacy, and notch himself in contention to be the GOAT. Sterling, on the other hand, may be appearing at 135 lbs for the final time, and may move up to 145 regardless of the result.
