Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira is set to face Rafael Fiziev in a high-stakes battle at UFC Rio this October. The announcement was a shock for many Oliveira fans, who thought 'Do Bronx' would take more time off after his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317.

Their fight in Oliveira's back garden has massive implications for the lightweight title picture. It's high-risk for Oliveira, who fights eight spots down in the rankings, while Fiziev has everything to gain with Oliveira's No. 3 ranking on the line.

Speaking exclusively with MMA Knockout by way of Thunderpick , Oliveira provided his immediate reaction to fighting Fiziev, and his thoughts on who's next for the lightweight throne.

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