Charles Oliveira denies having next UFC fight booked
The former UFC lightweight champion says he has returned to training but does not have a fight scheduled.
Charles Oliveira has gone through a rough period in the last few weeks. Recently, his longtime friend and training partner Allan "Puro Osso" Nascimento died after an apparent heart attack. Following a period of mourning, the former lightweight champion is now facing rumors about his next UFC fight after returning to training. In any case, Oliveira has denied reports that he already has his next UFC fight booked and has made it clear he wants to stay close to his training partners.
Charles Oliveira Denies Having Fight Booked
Oliveira's next UFC fight became a topic of speculation after he pulled out of his planned bout against Arman Tsarukyan following Nascimento's death. Although the fight was never officially announced by the UFC, it was reportedly already agreed upon behind the scenes. After Oliveira's withdrawal from the fight, Tsarukyan suggested that the Brazilian had used the situation as an excuse to avoid their matchup and later claimed the former champion already had another fight booked.
Through an Instagram Story, Oliveira denied the rumors and said there is no fight scheduled for him.
"I know it's your job, but stop with the nonsense," Oliveira said. "I don't have a fight booked. I've started training again, but mostly because I want to fight. I just want to be close to my team."
Oliveira and Tsarukyan first met at UFC 300 in April 2024, when the Armenian defeated the former champion by split decision in a lightweight title eliminator. A rematch has reportedly been among the UFC's plans for the two fighters.
Charles Oliveira Returns to Training
Despite denying that he has a fight scheduled, Oliveira confirmed that he has resumed training. The Brazilian previously said he needed some time away from fighting after Nascimento's death, but now appears to be gradually returning to his routine with his team.
For now, Oliveira remains without a confirmed opponent or date for his UFC return. The former champion, however, appears to be back in training and could be ready to consider his next fight once the time is right.
