LAS VEGAS – Vinicius Oliveira is ready to test himself with the very best the UFC featherweight division has to offer.
"Lok Dog" called for a ranked opponent following his successful UFC featherweight debut. This past Saturday, Oliveira (23-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) bounced back from his disappointing loss to Mario Bautista by putting away veteran Andre Fili (25-14 MMA, 13-13 UFC) on the main card of UFC Fight Night 279 at the Meta Apex. It was a big statement win for Oliveira and one that he hopes can get him a big fight next.
"I think to start in this division, if UFC could give me the top 12 that I was, the point that I was in my division when I was a bantamweight, I was top 12," Oliveira said at the UFC Fight Night 279 post-fight press conference. "I mean, to be honest, I don't know who is the top 12 in this division, but if (UFC) can give me a top 12, I'd be so glad of that. If not, (UFC) can give me Josh Emmett."
Oliveira was on a four-fight winning streak before getting his first UFC main event spot against Bautista in February. Many thought he was bound to be a ***** le contender at 135 pounds, but the Brazilian looked flat against Bautista. He attributes his bad performance to extreme weight cutting – which he won't have to deal with now fighting at 145 pounds.
"I felt strong during the fight. I didn't get tired," Oliveira said. "I didn't get weak. So in my former division, bantamweight, people usually say, 'Ah, 'Lok Dog' are weak, guys. He always get tired.' But now I can prove that I fixed some things in my weight, and now I don't get more tired. I'm feeling good. That's my division."
"Lok Dog" called for a ranked opponent following his successful UFC featherweight debut. This past Saturday, Oliveira (23-4 MMA, 4-2 UFC) bounced back from his disappointing loss to Mario Bautista by putting away veteran Andre Fili (25-14 MMA, 13-13 UFC) on the main card of UFC Fight Night 279 at the Meta Apex. It was a big statement win for Oliveira and one that he hopes can get him a big fight next.
"I think to start in this division, if UFC could give me the top 12 that I was, the point that I was in my division when I was a bantamweight, I was top 12," Oliveira said at the UFC Fight Night 279 post-fight press conference. "I mean, to be honest, I don't know who is the top 12 in this division, but if (UFC) can give me a top 12, I'd be so glad of that. If not, (UFC) can give me Josh Emmett."
Oliveira was on a four-fight winning streak before getting his first UFC main event spot against Bautista in February. Many thought he was bound to be a ***** le contender at 135 pounds, but the Brazilian looked flat against Bautista. He attributes his bad performance to extreme weight cutting – which he won't have to deal with now fighting at 145 pounds.
"I felt strong during the fight. I didn't get tired," Oliveira said. "I didn't get weak. So in my former division, bantamweight, people usually say, 'Ah, 'Lok Dog' are weak, guys. He always get tired.' But now I can prove that I fixed some things in my weight, and now I don't get more tired. I'm feeling good. That's my division."
2 months ago
