Charles Oliveira currently in “war” with UFC surrounding potential return to featherweight

When it comes to making the featherweight division’s 146-pound limit, Charles Oliveira’s track record is not particularly good. Throughout his 12 attempts to hit this mark in the UFC, he’s succeeded just eight times. It’s for this reason that the promotion recently sent him packing up to the lightweight division.

Since returning to the lightweight division, Oliveira has gone 1-1, first defeating Will Brooks by submission, then losing to Paul Felder by KO. In this loss to Felder in particular, Oliveira claims he felt he was at a significant strength disadvantage – which is why he and his management are currently fighting hard for the opportunity to return to featherweight.

“Me and my manager have been in this war with the UFC,” Oliveira told AG Fight (via BloodyElbow). “I really want to go back to 145. I had to move up to 155, but that’s not where I want to be. I won against Will Brooks and then I asked to drop down again. I fought Paul Felder and I ended up losing. His strength was a really big difference. He’s much stronger than me. That’s why I want to move back. That’s where I feel comfortable.”

If he is allowed to return to featherweight, Oliveira promises we’ll see the best version of him yet – perhaps even a version that fights for a UFC title.

“That’s what I tell everyone who trains with me,” he said. “They haven’t seen me at 100% yet. I really want to go back to 145. I’m sure that if I come back, people will be surprised with the new Charles. I’m evolving and growing all the time. In this year of 2018 I may win one, two or three fights and find myself with a title shot.”

Do you think Charles Oliveira should be allowed to return to the featherweight division after so many failed weight cuts? Join the conversation in the comments section below.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/26/2018.