Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira says he's open to moving to welterweight in the future.
talk to Guilherme Cruz On April 30, Oliveira explained the temptation that comes with the prospect of moving to 170 pounds:
“Why not? [move to welterweight]”Why not fight for money and history and heritage,” Oliveira said. …Why not shift your weight and have a big fight? A fight that has meaning and earns money? ”
Oliveira has previously fought at lightweight (155 pounds), but welterweight will be a significant jump (170 pounds) not only in weight but also in competition. The burly Brazilian will face big opponents in the likes of Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Garry, not to mention Leon Edwards.
Class is not simple. Welterweight Jeff Neal tips the scales at over 200 pounds for him outside of camp.
Sergei Belsky-USA TODAY Sports
Coach Diego Lima said Oliveira weighs about 180 pounds outside of camp. This is still a huge difference compared to a welterweight who cuts weight to gain 170 pounds. For example, Rakhmonov explained that he weighs around 192 to 194 pounds outside of camp, and that fighters like Jeff Neal lost over 30 pounds to make it to welterweight.
Considering these statistics, welterweight will certainly be a tough test for Oliveira. But Oliveira was referring to a legacy, and overcoming these insurmountable challenges will be incredibly legacy-defining.
continue MMA knockout Check out more daily UFC and MMA coverage.
