McGregor’s High-Profile Backup? On One Condition …

Charles Oliveira doesn’t want to wait around for his return to the Octagon.

Unfortunately for the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion, he fell short against Arman Tsarukyan via a split decision at UFC 300 last month (April 13, 2024). Despite the hard-fought battle, Oliveira is raring and ready to fight as soon as possible no matter the weight class.

With the return of Conor McGregor on the horizon, Oliveira likes the idea of possibly stepping in on short notice if needed. Therefore, he’s thrown his name in the hat. “The Notorious” will face the man Oliveira defeated to become champion in May 2021, Michael Chandler, in UFC 303’s main event next month (June 29, 2024). However, there is a caveat from the former titleholder.

“Stop talking about 170 and Conor McGregor,” Oliveira said in a UFC 301 media scrum (h/t MMA Fighting). “I offered myself to be the alternate for that fight, and obviously, I’m down for that. I’d make some money if I don’t fight and if I do fight then awesome. The only condition is if I were to fight McGregor then I’d have to re-negotiate that [contract] for it.

“Once I said that, everyone started talking about me and moving to 170, but that’s not exactly what it is,” he concluded.

Before we get to UFC 303, the promotion will host UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this weekend (Sat., May 4, 2024). In the main event, Flyweight champion, Alexandre Pantoja, will defend against Australian contender, Steve Erceg.

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MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 301 fight card on fight night, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the remaining undercard balance on ESPN2/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 301: “Pantoja vs. Erceg” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive events archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 301 fight card and ESPN+ lineup click here.