Charles Oliveira knew the day would come when he’d be in a UFC championship fight.
The lightweight contender will compete for a UFC title for the first time in his 10-year career with the promotion on Saturday at UFC 262. He takes on former Bellator champion Michael Chandler in the pay-per-view main event for the the vacant 155-pound title.
It’s been a long road for Oliveira (30-8 MMA, 18-8 UFC), one that’s stretched over 27 fights with many ups and downs. Despite being in the UFC so long without fighting for a belt, the Brazilian never lost hope.
“No, I never had a doubt,” Oliveira told reporters through an interpreter at the UFC 262 press conference on Thursday. “I knew some day I would get it, and I knew some day I was going to be fighting for this title.”
Oliveira believes he’s achieved plenty in the promotion, but now is the time to put a stamp on his resume with a UFC belt.
“It ‘s about legacy,” Oliveira explained. “I have the most submissions, I have the second most bonuses in the company, and I want to prove that I can hang with these guys. It’s about legacy.”
As far as the opponent, Oliveira has no easy out. Chandler looked great in his UFC debut this past January, stopping Dan Hooker in the first round at UFC 257. Oliveira considers Chandler a formidable foe, but he knows he’s up to the challenge.
“Michael is a super tough guy. He deserves all the respect in the world,” Oliveira said. “He was a champion in Bellator and has a great history. He hits hard on the feet, and he’s got wrestling, so for sure he’s coming in ready for the fight. But like I said, I also enter 100 percent ready to fight and go to war.”
