Charles Oliveira shut out of Gaethje’s first title defense as manager shuts door on rematch

Charles Oliveira’s path to a quick UFC lightweight title rematch with Justin Gaethje has been blocked before it even started.

On 13 July 2026, Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz confirmed the champion’s first defense will be against a fresh opponent, shutting the door on rematches with Ilia Topuria, Paddy Pimblett, Max Holloway and Oliveira.

Gaethje claimed the undisputed lightweight title on 18 June 2026 at UFC Freedom 250, ending Topuria’s reign in a monumental upset. The victory capped a decade-long climb for Gaethje, who had lost two previous bids for the belt. Yet just three weeks later, the 37-year-old is already plotting his next move: and it won’t include Oliveira.

Abdelaziz posted on X: “The champ’s next fight will be against someone he’s never fought before. I’m really excited for this matchup.”

Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion, had publicly campaigned for an immediate rematch, even vowing to sit out other bouts to wait for Gaethje. His team argued he was the most deserving challenger after his last win over Beneil Dariush in March 2026. But Gaethje’s team has now moved on, leaving Oliveira on the outside looking in.

The snub comes despite Oliveira’s status as a former champion and one of the most popular fighters in the division. His last title fight ended in a split decision loss to Islam Makhachev in October 2022, and he hasn’t fought since a first-round guillotine finish over Michael Chandler in December 2023.

With rematches ruled out, the clear frontrunner is Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1 contender. The Armenian hasn’t fought since November 2025 but has stayed active in Real American Freestyle Wrestling. Tsarukyan is the only top-five lightweight Gaethje hasn’t faced, making him the logical choice.

Gaethje’s camp has also been told the UFC insists Tsarukyan must get the shot next. That likely pushes the fight into 2027, as Gaethje is unlikely to defend this year, Abdelaziz admitted earlier.

The decision reshapes the lightweight landscape. Topuria, Pimblett and Holloway are now out of the title picture for Gaethje’s first defense, while Oliveira remains stuck in limbo. His next move could define whether he returns to title contention or slips further down the rankings.

Gaethje, meanwhile, is enjoying the spoils of his biggest win. He’s set to watch Conor McGregor’s failed comeback attempt against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on 12 July 2026, a reminder of how quickly fortunes change in the sport.

For Oliveira, the wait continues. The Brazilian’s next fight won’t be for the belt: not yet.