Charles Oliveira has explained why he is no longer interested in fighting Conor McGregor, while discussing his new career on OnlyFans.
The former UFC lightweight champion offered his services as a back-up fighter for McGregor's scheduled comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303.
Oliveira proposed being a stand-in on the condition that he would be able to negotiate a new deal in the event he ended up fighting the 'Notorious'.
McGregor pulled out due to a toe injury and instead, Oliveira's fellow Brazilian Alex Pereira defended his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka in the new headliner.
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But despite calling him out in the past and saying he is "just waiting" for the Irishman at any weight, Oliveira has now changed his tune.
In fact, he isn't sure that McGregor will even return to the Octagon after recent events.
"To be honest he already has all the lights that he needs," Oliveira told SPORTbible when asked about fighting McGregor.
"When I suggested that it would be a good fight it was because it would bring a lot of money for me, it would bring a lot of money for him.
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"That's not his vision anymore. I don't even think he's going to fight anymore.
"He fights when he wants. Michael Chandler waited for him for two years and at the last minute he gave up. He will fight when he wants."
Statistically the best finisher in UFC history, Oliveira lost his last fight to Arman Tsarukyan by split decision back in April.
'Do Bronx' has been pushing in training and "waiting for the right moment and "the next opportunity" to return to the Octagon.
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The 34-year-old keeps his fans up to date with his training and life on OnlyFans, for which he is an ambassador.
The subscription service is moving away from being known primarily for adult content, with former UFC heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic and tennis tar Nick Kyrgios signing up.
Explaining how the move came about, Oliveira said: "The way they approached me and came to me was really nice because it was really connected to what I talk about – legacy and bringing my fans closer to me.
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"It was a new opportunity to bring the fans closer together and show our training, our day by day and how we do things behind the scenes and behind the cameras. We saw that right away and started creating.
"It's all about my day by day and being with my family, training exercises, the jokes I make with my friends and my time spent with horses – I love horses, techniques from jiu jitsu. You can find everything.
"It's important. I see it as a work, sponsorship – it's all to support my career and it's a good opportunity."
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Oliveira, who came from nothing in the favelas of Sao Paulo and didn't have any "real money", sees the side hustle as "work" and "sponsorship" but also a way to connect with his passionate fanbase, who always have his back.
He continued: "When I was a fan, I remember what I wanted from my idols. I was following to see what they were doing, and having this as an opportunity for my fans is nice: being close to them and receiving messages of support.
"The fans turn into a family because they protect me. If someone attacks me on social media, my family and fanbase goes there and protects me."
As a kid, Oliveira's parents sold street snacks and cardboard so he could train in jiu-jitsu.
He was also told he should not play sports due to having a heart murmur but ignored the advice given to him by a doctor and went on to achieve greatness.
His story is the definition of rags to riches - as he now holds the record for the most fight bonuses in UFC history.
He explained: "Brazil is an amazing country but it's also very challenging to develop a career in sport. If athletes want to get there they have to invest themselves and be ready to improve to get there.
"The main goal from the people who come from the same place is to help their family. We give everything to help our family."
There are many other Brazilian athletes who have similar stories, coming from the most humble beginnings before excelling in their field.
Brazil's football stars Vinicius Jr and Neymar are two high-profile examples. Oliveira is friendly with both, but which one does he want to walk him out to the Octagon?
Oliveira replied: "I love both. Both would be amazing to walk in with me but I have known Neymar for a longer amount of time. He came from the same neighbourhood that I came from, there are pictures from when we were kids – not together but in the same place. I would pick Neymar."
OnlyFans has a huge range of sport creators, offering exclusive behind the scenes content and insights into their training, including boxers, tennis stars and MMA fighters. Sports fans can also check out Rise & Grind on OFTV to see athletes gearing up for their big games and matches on https://of.tv/creators/rise-grind/
Topics: Charles Oliveira, Conor McGregor, UFC, Spotlight
Josh Lawless