Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: Where does Charles Oliveira rank in the UFC's featherweight division after "TUF: Live" Finale win?
Jun 6, 2012 - 3:30:22 PM ROUNDTABLE: Where does Charles Oliveira rank in the UFC's featherweight division after "TUF: Live" Finale win?

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With two straight submission wins, where does Charles Oliveira fit in the UFC's featherweight rankings, and who would you like to see him against next?

RICH HANSEN, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Oliveira's probably on the outside looking in of the top 10. He's likely in the 12-15 range if you want to get a little more specific. Everyone wants to anoint him as the next big thing (hell, everyone wants to anoint every flashy young fighter as the next big thing), but let's not forget he was on a three fight winless streak before dropping down to 145 lbs. He's undefeated at 145, with submission wins over Eric Wisely (CALF SLICER) and Jonathan Brookins. Murderer's Row, indeed. So let's slow down a little and not throw him in with Dennis Siver just yet. How about someone at his (perceived) level). Yuri Alcantara, assuming he defeats Hacran Dias, maybe? Maybe Robert Peralta, if he's healthy yet. A rematch with Darren Elkins would be okay as well.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think he's right on that second rung, just below the title contenders. As long as the UFC matches him against guys on his level or above, I'm ok with whomever they pick for his next fight.


ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

He's definitely lined himself up highly in the division, but another solid win would put Oliveira next in line for a title fight. I would say he could fight the winner between Chad Mendes and Cody McKenzie, for an opportunity at a championship fight.


ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Charles Oliveira is definitely knocking on the top ten after his performance on FX against Johnathon Brookins. His two losses to Donald Ceronne and Jim Miller prevent me from ranking him higher. Beating Brookins and Eric Wisely in his last two fights is impressive, but he will need some wins over top ten fighters to be considered among the elite of the division. I think he matches up well against many of the top tier fighters. A win over Mike Brown, Darren Elkins, Tyson Griffin, Bart Palaszewski or another comparable fighter would put him legitimately in the top ten. I would love to see him fight Mike Brown and if he can win that one, he is ready for the next level of competition in the UFC.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

There could be an argument for him to be in the top 10, but I don't see him up there just yet. He's been extremely impressive in his last two outings, and honestly I would like to see him fight Bart Palaszewski or Yuri Alcantara in his next bout - anyone who can be seen as a more solidifed fighter in the division. We could also look at the possibility of him facing Poirier coming off a loss and see if The Diamond's submission skills can stifle him. Going forward if he retains his momentum he will become a hell of a danger to the top of the division.


DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

He's on the fringe of the featherweight top 10 and absolutely made the right decision to drop down in weight. The loss to Donald Cerrone proved that even with his talent, matching up against bigger opponents wouldn't do him any favors against the elite at lightweight. Since dropping down he's looked very good in his two fights thus far, and with the lack of depth in his division, he could be a title contender with two or three more wins. I like the look of Jimy Hettes, but if his injury keeps him out long term,set up a fight with Dennis Siver. He has a similar style to Cerrone, and would provide a very tough test for the Brazilian.


JASON AMADI, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

Charles Oliveira is going to be a big deal sometime soon. At this point, there's no question about that. However, he's so good and featherweight is in such a state of flux that he's in danger of being progressed too quickly. We saw that happen to him already at 155. "Do Bronx" came in and blew through Darren Elkins and Efrain Escudero as he should and got "rewarded" with Jim Miller. I'm afraid that's exactly what we're going to see at 145.

Olivera is obviously going to win a lot more than he loses from this point on, but he's got nothing for Jose Aldo right now; no one does.

I think a matchup with Dennis Siver is appropriate. Siver is also a lightweight who recently dropped down and found some success. You can't have too many of those guys running around. I'd like to see them square them off and see what's what.