Dhiego Lima, the coach of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, revealed that his team refused to have an immediate rematch against Islam Makhachev.
Lima explained why their team made that decision.
We have to act wisely and choose an opponent whose victory will bring us closer to the belt. An immediate rematch would have been a difficult task for us due to the emotional stress involved. I think it makes sense to fight Beneil Dariusz. He has an impressive winning streak. We've fought Poirier, Chandler and Gaethje, but not Dariusz, and he's going undefeated. A good win over him would take us straight to the title. I need to think it over again, but I guess Beneil is a good choice.
Dhiego Lima on the SUPER LUTAS podcast
Oliveira lost his lightweight championship in the main event of UFC 280, which took place in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 22. That night, Russian Islam Makhachev defeated him by submission (arm triangle choke) in the second round, becoming the new owner of the belt.
Charles had one title defense in May 2022, at UFC 274: he defeated Justin Gaethje by submission (rear choke) in the first round. Oliveira has 33 wins and nine losses under his belt.
Makhachev had a fight at UFC Fight Night 202 in February 2022, beating Bobby Green by TKO in the first round. Islam has 23 wins and one loss.