Merab Dvalishvili simply defended the UFC bantamweight belt in opposition to Umar Nurmagomedov at UFC 311, and would possibly give Sean O’Malley a rematch subsequent, however Vinicius Oliveira stated he has a masterplan that can culminate with him holding the 135-pound gold by the top of 2025.
Oliveira dispatched Victor Madrigal at Dana White’s Contender Collection and went on an ideal 2-0 run within the UFC in 2024, stopping Bernardo Sopaj in brutal vogue earlier than successful a choice over seasoned veteran Ricky Simon. Booked to satisfy Said Nurmagomedov at UFC Saudi Arabia this Saturday, “Lok Canine” feels his path is obvious within the UFC.
“I consider I’ll get a shot on the belt this yr,” Oliveira informed MMA Combating. “I’ll have an unimaginable efficiency, one thing nobody’s ever seen. I’ll win this combat after which I don’t know what the UFC will give me. I’ll name out who I would like and the world is aware of who — and he’ll have nowhere to cover. If I get the combat I would like subsequent, then the belt comes this yr.”
The identify Oliveira needs subsequent is Umar Nurmagomedov, with whom he has already traded pictures on-line prior to now. Each competed on the identical night time in March 2024, and the Brazilian vowed to “rip your heart out and feed it to some dogs” afterwards. Oliveira has combined emotions about this match-up now because the Russian lately misplaced to Dvalishvili, however nonetheless likes the concept.
“I wished to be the primary at hand him a loss and that gained’t occur anymore,” Oliveira stated, “however I might be the primary at hand him his second loss [laughs].”
“I’d like to combat Umar Nurmagomedov,” he continued. “We had a beef some time in the past however he simply misplaced, so combating him doesn’t excite me that a lot. It’s a really attention-grabbing combat for me, however wouldn’t make sense 100% at the moment. Positive, it could be vital as a result of he’s nonetheless up there and me beating him would pace issues up for me to get to the belt, nevertheless it doesn’t excite me 100% anymore. However, certain, if there was somebody I needed to combat, he could be the primary on the record.
“With every part I’m doing, the hype and the way in which I promote fights, the way in which the UFC promotes me… It might not seem like it, however folks within the UFC most likely speak about me on a regular basis. I’m a younger prospect and I placed on thrilling fights. I discuss the way in which I discuss, I promote fights the way in which nobody else does, and I placed on thrilling fights. That’s what the UFC needs, and that’s what I give them. The UFC is betting on me as a result of I’m a showman.”
Oliveira known as himself “essentially the most full fighter within the division” and stated he’s able to adapting to each scenario. If locked within the octagon in opposition to the final title contender, Oliveira stated he would “drown” Nurmagomedov in his personal recreation.
“Will probably be identical to Merab did,” he stated. “The distinction is that I’ll knock him out inside one spherical.”
Beating each Nurmagomedovs back-to-back could be an ideal feat that might assist his case for a shot on the title later this yr, however Oliveira doesn’t anticipate Dvalishvili to be sitting on the high when it’s his flip. Oliveira stated he would like to problem the 135-pound king, however would choose O’Malley to win a possible rematch.
Mentioned, the primary Nurmagomedov on the record, hasn’t fought since choosing up a first-round submission over Muin Gafurov in October 2023, rebounding from his second octagon loss to Jonathan Martinez. The 32-year-old expertise is 7-2 since becoming a member of the UFC.
“I must show that Russians aren’t unbeatable as many assume,” Oliveira stated. “I’ve fought more durable guys and I’m able to combat on the ft, able to combat on the bottom, prepared for all three rounds. I’m prepared for 10 rounds if I’ve to. My cardio is considered one of my strongest weapons for a combat.”
Oliveira constructed his profession within the United Arab Emirates earlier than signing with the UFC, claiming and defending the UAE Warriors belt in Abu Dhabi soil, so competing in Saudi Arabia feels identical to residence to him.
“I’ll be combating a Russian, and in concept that’s their residence, they’re used to that point zone,” Oliveira stated. “On paper, that’s all of their favor if you consider it. We got here right here [two weeks] early to get nearer to perfection. I used to be as soon as a king right here in Arabia. I’m nonetheless the king. A king by no means loses his majesty. I acquired hit within the head, however the crown continues to be right here. I’m all the time right here. Individuals know who I’m. I’ve no strain. I do know victory will come. I’m coaching exhausting each single day, each second of the day. I can’t cease desirous about the combat. My opponent is hard, he’s expert, however I’ve little doubt I’m higher than him in each side of a combat.”
