Charles Oliveira delivered a standout performance during his recent return to the octagon in Brazil. The former lightweight champion received widespread praise, including from commentator Joe Rogan, after an impressive victory against Mateusz Gamrot. At UFC Rio, Oliveira not only secured a win but also extended his UFC record for most finishes by handing Gamrot the first stoppage loss of his career.
Despite Oliveira`s dominant showing, some speculated whether the outcome would have been the same if he had faced his originally scheduled opponent. Interestingly, one fighter who had expressed interest in stepping in before Gamrot was chosen now considers himself fortunate to have avoided that fight.
Moicano Admits Facing Charles Oliveira in Rio Would`ve Been a Poor Choice
When Rafael Fiziev withdrew from his main event bout against Charles Oliveira at UFC Rio, several lightweight contenders initially put themselves forward as potential replacements. Oliveira himself later criticized some of these fighters, claiming they expressed readiness for a fight on three weeks` notice but didn`t follow through.
Renato Moicano was one of the names who suggested he might be interested in facing his fellow Brazilian. However, during a recent episode of the “Show Me The Money” podcast, Moicano admitted that watching Oliveira`s performance confirmed his decision not to take the fight on short notice was the correct one.
“He looked ready. I was saying I dodged a bullet, brother, because to take that fight on three weeks notice, no training, that would not be good,” Moicano stated. He also acknowledged the flip side of his decision: “Of course. If he looked bad, I would say, ‘Man, that was easy money.’ It’s just how it works.”
Renato Moicano Doubts Charles Oliveira Will Win His Next Targeted Bout
After his spectacular return to the win column, Charles Oliveira clearly stated who he wants to fight next. His callout quickly elicited a response from BMF champion Max Holloway, potentially setting up a rematch more than a decade after their first encounter.
While Renato Moicano is excited about the prospect of this fight, he doesn`t believe Oliveira will be victorious. “He’s not beating Max Holloway, maybe I’m being a hater,” Moicano commented, sharing his candid prediction.
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