Charles Oliveira might be known as a dangerous BJJ player, but he isn’t ‘concerned’ about that part of his game against Justin Gaethje.
The UFC Lightweight Champion will collide against Gaethje in his second title defense. Oliveira will meet his next opponent at UFC 274 on May 7th. Ahead of the fight, Oliveira is looking to show off his striking against the heavy-handed ‘Highlight’.
Oliveira Believes In His Power
Many think Oliveira’s key to victory would be exposing Gaethje in the grappling department. While that may be true, Oliveira has other things in mind. He is preparing to stand his ground for this next war against a very dangerous opponent in Justin Gaethje.
“I only walk forward,” Oliveira told AG Fight. “It doesn’t matter if I’m delivering or taking damage. I’m always walking forward. So we’re going to clash in some kind of way. Everyone says I should take it to the ground, that I should be concerned. I’m not concerned about taking it to the ground, I’m really not. I believe in my power. I have power in my hands. I’ve been showing that, I’m evolving.”
A confident Charles is a dangerous one. The current champ has shown that in his last 10 fights. However, getting into a slugfest with a guy like Gaethje doesn’t always work out. Just ask Michael Chandler or Tony Ferguson. Then again, it’s not impossible to beat Gaethje in the striking department. *cough* Dustin Poirier. *cough* Eddie Alvarez.
‘We’ll See Who Has The Heavier Hands’
Oliveira’s grappling skills may speak more volumes than his striking abilities, but that doesn’t stop Oliveira from wanting to showcase his power against Gaethje.
“It’s going to be a war. He’s going to walk forward and so am I. We’ll see who has power,” Oliveira continued. “People say ‘You should take him down’. That’s cool. I know I have to because that’s what I do best, but I’m not concerned about that. I’m not just training to take him down or defend takedowns. I’m training MMA.
“When I say we’re going to clash, it’s because we are. I told Diego Lima. Brace yourself, because the first round will be a war. I’m going to trade shots with that guy. People might call me stupid, but I’m not being stupid. I’m acting like an MMA fighter. He walks forward and so do I. We’ll see who has the heavier hands. Who can take a shot and get back up.”
Who will have the heavier hands at UFC 273? Who will go down first? Who will win? We’ll have to wait and see, as the war between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje takes place in May.
