Charles Oliveira confirms plans to serve as backup fighter at UFC 311: ‘I’m next in line’

Former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira has confirmed he plans to serve as the official backup fighter to next month’s title fight between past-foes, Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan — with the Brazilian keen to be seated front row at UFC 311 in California.

Oliviera, who retains the number two rank at 155lbs, returned to winning ways at UFC 309 back in November, taking on former-foe and title challenger, Michael Chandler in the pair’s five round co-headliner at Madison Square Garden — landing a unanimous decision win.

Prior to that, Sao Paulo native, Oliveira featured on the main card of UFC 300 back in April, suffering a controversial split decision loss to the above-mentioned Tsarukyan in the pair’s officially-billed title eliminator.

Charles Oliveira offers to serve as UFC 311 backup fighter

And serving in the corner of training partner, Ian Garry at UFC 310 over the course of last weekend in the Dubliner’s first-ever career loss against the unbeaten, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Oliveira confirmed plans to serve as the official backup fighter to the UFC 311 title main event if the promotion allows it.

“I think they have a very similar game, Islam (Makhachev) has a bit of timing, he has improved a lot in terms of striking. But (Arman) Tsarukyan is also a very tough guy. For me, it doesn’t matter (who wins),” Charles Oliveira told TNT Sports during an interview.”

I’m next in line, but I think it’s going to be a great fight,” Charles Oliveira continued. “For sure (I’ll be in Los Angeles). I have to be sitting in the front row, even next to the cage (laughs). If the UFC wants (me as a reserve fighter), why not?”

First fighting Makhachev in a vacant title clash back in 2022, Oliveira — the promotion’s most prolific submission artist and outright finisher, saw his record-setting 11-fight winning spree halted in a second round arm-triangle submission loss to the Russian star.