Charles Oliveira Discusses Justin Gaethje, Pay, and UFC Title Picture

Charles Oliveira is set to defend his BMF title against Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 335 on Dec. 12, and the former lightweight champion believes a victory will secure him another shot at the undisputed 155-pound crown. Whether Justin Gaethje is still champion by then remains an open question, as Gaethje has not committed to returning after stopping Ilia Topuria in June to unify the titles on the White House lawn.

Gaethje previously stated he would not compete again before the end of the year and has opened the door to potentially retiring as champion. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Oliveira suggested that if financial incentives are the primary factor, Gaethje may decide to hang up his gloves, noting that his next purse will not match the unique payout from the historic June event.

"The White House was a place everyone wanted to fight at, everyone wanted to be there," Oliveira told MMA Fighting. "It had all that glamour, so he accepted the money for that fight. In other words, his next purse is not going to be that amount. It will definitely be a good amount, but not the amount he made at the White House."

Oliveira emphasized his deep respect for Gaethje's legacy, stating that the champion will receive a standing ovation whether he decides to retire or continue. Meanwhile, the lightweight title mix remains active, with Arman Tsarukyan also making his case for a title shot following a recent first-round knockout victory over Mauricio Ruffy.