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Charles Oliveira: Justin Gaethje not getting paid White House money again, needs to decide on retirement

UFC lightweight contender Charles Oliveira has made it clear he believes a victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 335 on December 12 will secure his path to a title shot—regardless of whether Justin Gaethje remains champion. Gaethje, who unified the division by stopping Ilia Topuria in June at a high-profile White House event, has since indicated he may retire as champion, citing his impressive career and the historic nature of his recent fight.

Oliveira suggested Gaethje’s next payday won’t match the unprecedented earnings from the White House bout, where the prestige and global attention likely justified an extraordinary purse. The Brazilian fighter also acknowledged Gaethje’s right to retire after 33 pro fights, praising his legacy while noting that a decision to walk away would leave Oliveira as the frontrunner for the next title opportunity.

Despite Arman Tsarukyan’s recent split-decision win over Oliveira and his own title-case victory over Mauricio Ruffy, Oliveira insists his star power and past submission win over Gaethje make him the more compelling contender. The UFC 335 main event now hinges on Gaethje’s next move, with Oliveira confident his fight against Lopes will be explosive and decisive for the division’s future.

Up nextMMA· 2h ago

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