Charles Oliveira has responded to Justin Gaethje ridiculing the UFC lightweight division by calling for the American to earn his world title opportunity.
The Brazilian currently holds the UFC lightweight world title belt after defeating Michael Chandler with a second round stoppage back in May.
And he has been linked with a range of names since his world glory including Dustin Poirier who is now the leading contender for the belt after his second stoppage victory over Conor McGregor.
Oliveira has responded to Gaethje labelling the lightweight division a "laughing stock", by calling for the American to "win his fights and make an opportunity".
“What I have to say to Gaethje is do your job, win your fights and get your opportunity, just like I did and make it happen,” Oliveira told BJPenn. “I’m going to be here with my belt. When you get nine straight wins you may complain with Dana.
"Nine months ago, I was top seven, asking for an opportunity against a top-five contender. Ten days before UFC 256, Ferguson’s opponent got hurt and I was in shape ready to accept the UFC invitation.
“After completely dominating Ferguson, I conquered my title shot, I did 28 fights in the UFC in the last 11 years, I was coming from eight consecutive wins, I have the bonus record of UFC, I beat the record of submissions of Royce Gracie and Demian Maia in the organisation.
"If I didn’t have the right to fight for the belt, who should have? If I’m the champion today, it is because I fought a lot for that.”
Oliveira has been heavily linked with a defence against Poirier after 'The Diamond' came through his latest test, with negotiations reportedly ongoing for a showdown at the end of this year.
But the Brazilian admitted that it could be "likely" that Poirier would opt for a clash with Nate Diaz as it offers a higher financial incentive.
“Today nobody wants to know about a belt, they don’t want to know about a belt,” Oliveira told Ag. Fight.
“They want to know about ‘money’, about money in your pocket. The fight against Conor made a lot of money for Dustin Poirier, a fight against Nate will make a lot of money too.
"We are human beings. It depends a lot on each person. I would rather fight for the belt than for the money.
"I had a focus. I wanted to be UFC champion. Today I’m UFC champion, I want to make money, I want to have money in my pocket.”
If Oliveira were to lose his belt to Poirier in a potential challenge, McGregor could look to challenge for the title belt once again after previously being double-champion at featherweight and lightweight.
And the Brazilian has already delivered a bold prediction for any potential clash with McGregor, and has backed himself to defeat both men as he looks to cement his place as the best fighter in the 155 pound division.
