Charles Oliveira may have lost his original opponent for next month’s UFC Rio main event, but the former lightweight champion isn’t letting anything stop him. Following Rafael Fiziev‘s withdrawal due to injury, fans were left wondering whether he would continue on the card for his first fight back in Brazil since 2020. With UFC matchmakers rushing to find a replacement and social media exploding with theories, ‘Do Bronx’ has finally broken his silence.
His first social media post following the announcement was proof of his strong concentration and commitment. The Brazilian posted a video of himself intensely working in the gym, along with a four-word caption: “Focus on the Mission.” The statement, while brief, spurred immediate discussion in the MMA world, with fans debating potential replacement opponents.
Fans reacted quickly, and the initial wave of excitement focused on Renato “Money” Moicano as a possible short-notice replacement. Supporters swarmed social media with comments like “Moicano will save the card Amen,” “Oliveira vs. Moicano‼️‼︙,” and “Time to fight Renato,” expressing the community’s eagerness for a matchup that may maintain the energy and hype of the main event.
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Many fans also made a direct request to UFC CEO Dana White, writing, “Book Moicano vs. Oliveira DANA we need it!!!!,” emphasizing the fanbase’s desire to keep Charles Oliveira active on his home turf. But while many wanted Moicano to be the next opponent, another group of fans proposed Benoit Saint Denis as a potential challenger instead.
Hoping to see Oliveira compete against one of the sport’s rising stars, comments like “Go fight St. Denis” and “Let them give you Benoit Saint Denis to show everyone what real levels are!!” reflected the excitement around the high-profile matchup. Well, it will definitely be a bout that would put Charles Oliveira’s skills to the test while adding intrigue to the card.
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MMA fans clearly want the fighter from the favelas to face a difficult opponent, whether it’s Moicano on short notice or Saint Denis, to prove elite-level competition. But for any of these fights to materialize, Oliveira will have to be in peak shape. So, seeing him work so hard, there was a significant stream of concern for Oliveira’s health and well-being.
Fans urged caution in the midst of Charles Oliveira’s training, posting comments like “Just don’t get hurt, please 🙏🏻.” “Charles, better form on your deadlifts, please; I don’t want you to be hurt,” and “Man, don’t get hurt already.”
The Brazilian fans are hoping that, although he remains focused and prepared, he avoids any additional risks that could impede his return to the Octagon. But do you know that this isn’t the only recent warning received by the fighter? Renato Moicano, too, threw a few words of caution for Oliveira before the fight against Rafael Fiziev was unfortunately called off.
Renato ‘Moicano’ sent out a warning to Charles Oliveira ahead of the Rafael Fiziev fight
While fans are focused on replacement opponents and Charles Oliveira’s safety, Renato ‘Money’ Moicano provided a cautionary perspective before Fiziev pulled out of the fight. Moicano, who faced Fiziev and lost by knockout in 2020, warned Oliveira against returning too soon after his own recent loss. He regards Fiziev as one of the division’s toughest strikers and advised ‘Do Bronx’ to consider other matchups before taking such a risky fight. He said, “The worst fight in the whole lightweight rankings for Charles [is Fiziev].”
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Moicano stated that Fiziev is the most dangerous striker in the lightweight category and that the UFC is likely preparing him for another title run. He suggested Oliveira face fighters like Dan Hooker, Justin Gaethje in a rematch, or Max Holloway, who had previously shown interest. Even at home, Moicano believes Fiziev would be the favorite, though he acknowledged that Oliveira remains a major draw capable of leading pay-per-view sales anywhere.
Well, it seems like Moicano won’t have to worry anymore since Oliveira won’t be facing Fiziev now. Instead, it could be him who would go one-on-one against ‘Do Bronx.’ UFC Rio is now more than just a homecoming for Oliveira; it is supposed to be his comeback to title contention. So, who will it be against? Only time will tell.