Charles Oliveira – I Just Like To Fight

Charles Oliveira – via UFC.com

Charles Oliveira fought Cub Swanson at UFC 152 on September 22nd and the outcome was not the one he was looking for. Swanson blasted him with a body punch and then landed a right hook flush. At first it seemed like Oliveira was fine, but moments later he collapsed and the fight was over. MMARecap caught up with Oliveira to discuss the fight, his submission of the night back at UFC on Fox, and the status of his division.  Special thanks to Oliveira’s manager Wade Hampel for providing translation.

How are things going now that it’s been about a week since the loss to Cub Swanson?
I will be in the gym training, in a week. Getting ready for my next fight.

It was reported that you fought with a knee injury is this true? If so, what’s the status of your knee?
Every fight I have been in I have some kind of injury. This fight was no different.

The fight with Swanson you seemed happy to stand and trade punches with him, was that the game plan for the fight?
I wanted to strike with him, but if I saw a opening for the take down, I would take it.

There was a big body punch that landed a little bit before the overhand right that was the finish to the fight. Was that body punch what really sent you stumbling?
In a fight, things go to fast. Its really hard to figure out what details lead up to the result.

You both were reported to be near the top of the featherweight division. Where do you see yourself in the rankings?
I just fight, don’t really worry about rankings. That is for my management.

I want to go back to January when you locked in a calf slicer at UFC on Fox 2. I knew what it was, but a lot of people on media row questioned what the submission actually was. Do you think it is an underutilized submission?
The knee cracker is not a primary attack. It really depends on the when your opponent is trying to escape a let lock. It would be very hard to say that I am going out and put my opponent in a knee cracker, the knee cracker just happens, you can make it happen.

Frankie Edgar is now dropping to featherweight after two losses at lightweight, do you think he is deserving of the title shot against Jose Aldo or do you think someone else should be fighting Aldo for the title?
I really just like to fight. I really don’t worry about those things. I just worry about my next opponent.

Who do you think poses the biggest problem for Aldo at featherweight?
HA HA… Aldo will give big problems to who every he fights!

Another former lightweight, Clay Guida said he is looking to drop down to featherweight. Being that both you and him lost your last fight, is this a fight you would like?
I will fight who ever they tell me to fight.

Where can the fans find you at online?
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charles-Do-Bronx-Oliveira/131846923513387

Any sponsors or people you want to thank?
Like to thank Venom, HeadRush, Training Mask. Also would like my trainers Erickson Cardoso, Macaco, and my manager Wade Hampel