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Basically, Oliveira's manager was asked if he would retire after his last fight, and the answer was "We have three fights pre-arranged in 2026." These were his own words in an interview ruling out any retirement.
Source: here
Basically, Oliveira's manager was asked if he would retire after his last fight, and the answer was "We have three fights pre-arranged in 2026." These were his own words in an interview ruling out any retirement.
Source: here
Thanks. The link says:
Quote
Diego Lima revealed on YouTube (@PVT) that the goal is to do three fights next year, already pre-closed, depending on the results:
"Our goal is to do three fights next year. We already have the three pre-closed ones, to be honest. Of course, it all depends on the outcome. We know that a setback delays us a little in this, but, looking at the best scenario, which are the victories, we already pre-marked them. So, totally out of the question for Charles to retire
"Our goal is to do three fights next year. We already have the three pre-closed ones, to be honest. Of course, it all depends on the outcome. We know that a setback delays us a little in this, but, looking at the best scenario, which are the victories, we already pre-marked them. So, totally out of the question for Charles to retire
So it's nothing set in stone yet as it's all contingent on the outcome(s). They might have some gentlemen's agreements but probably nothing signed yet.
But it makes sense for Oliveira (or any other fighter his age) to reduce breaks between fights to a minimum.
So Hooker is really an early Christmas gift from the UFC to Arman, and it's a good option on every level (difficulty, money, hype).
Hype - yes, Hooker talks trash better than Arman, he could attract extra attention to fight
Money - no, I dont think that Arman need money. He is wearing watches that cost times more than his paycheck.
Difficulty - one again, UFC though that he was skilled enough to face champion, now give him Hooker. Mathematically, Hooker has to be same level as Islam
But he isnt, not even close. If I was Tsarukyan, I would have waited for title shot than get involved in a fight that gives nothing (from rating and legacy point of view).
He might have been "skilled enough" but he wasn't professional enough to make the weight (assuming that was the real reason for him pulling out).
He's not getting Hooker "instead". That opportunity is gone. Being offered a title shot doesn't mean he holds some magic title-shot ticket with no expiry date that he can redeem at any time. Things don't work that way.
Anyhow, if he gets past Hooker, he'll probably get another chance.