Charles Oliveria Backs Out Of Fight Due To Injury – The Top Fighter To Replace Him And Give Beneil Dariush A Run For His Money

Charles Oliveira is won’t be able to participate in his fight scheduled for next month – but the UFC should lock up their replacement.

The former UFC lightweight champion suffered an “undisclosed” minor injury, according to a report from ESPN.

While it’s unclear how serious the injury it will be enough to keep Oliveira out of at least UFC 288, which takes place on May 6.

Originally, the Brazillian mixed martial artist was slated to fight fourth-ranked lightweight contender Beneil Dariush.

It’s unclear if the UFC will wait until Oliveira is healthy or give Dariush another opponent for UFC 288.

While it’s a tough blow for Oliveira, who could have put himself back in line to earn another title shot after losing to Islam Makhachev by submission – the UFC should look in another direction.

And there’s one name that comes to mind – and that’s Dustin Poirier, who is the former interim lightweight champion.

Poirier, who not too long ago lost a title fight to Oliveira, is coming off a submission win off Michael Chandler in November.

Currently, the number two-ranked lightweight contender in the world does not have a fight scheduled.

But know that it would be a little short notice and difficult for Poirier to get in fight shape, with UFC 288 about three weeks away.

However, this could be a huge fight that could decide who gets the next shot at the title.

Dariush has been rising up the UFC rankings and has won eight fights in a row.

But Poirier would by far be his biggest test. Both fighters are reportedly black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Dariush in his UFC career is 22-4-1, while Poirier is 29-7 with one no-contest.

The other option could be Justin Gaethje, who is the third-ranked lightweight contender in the world.

However, he just fought a month ago – so it might not make the most sense.

But either opponent could be an exciting matchup for fans. But of course, it’s a big blow for Oliveira, who may have lost a near-term opportunity at a lightweight title shot.

UFC 288 will be headlined by Aljamain Sterling against Henry Cejudo.

But as of right now, it’s unclear what will happen with the co-main event.

Article by Anthony Russo