UFC star’s bizarre Sydney horse racing plan;

UFC superstar Charles Oliveira has bizarrely promised to race at Menangle Park trots this September – and just weeks before what could be a UFC lightweight title shot stolen from Australia’s Alexander Volkanovski.

Only days out from his hyped showdown at UFC 289, Oliveira has told Fox Sports Australia he will “absolutely” be attending Sydney’s inaugural $2 million TAB Eureka – billed as our harness racing equivalent of The Everest.

Better, the former UFC champion – who is himself a keen trot driver -- has agreed to take on Australia’s top pick, Luke McCarthy in a match race.But what if you win, get the October title shot, and UFC boss Dana White ... well, maybe he doesn’t like the idea of you bobbing up at the red hots in Sydney’s west only weeks prior?

“No man, I’m not canceling,” Oliveira laughed on Wednesday via the aid of an interpreter.

“This isn’t something that people have just asked me to do.

Oliveira has agreed to act as an ambassador for the inaugural Eureka event thanks to a relationship with Aaron Bain Racing.

The former UFC champ explained that he initially started out buying horses “five, maybe six years ago” before taking to driving himself.

“This is what makes me happy.”

“(Racing) helps me relax, helps me recharge my batteries.

“Plus, I’ll still be training, still be getting ready. So I won’t be canceling.”

In 2021, he also had an exhibition race in the US – which he won -- against famed American Hall of Fame driver Tim Tetrick

“I’ve always loved horses but never had the means to buy them,” Oliveira said.

“But once I started owning horses I was able to compete, and now I’m coming to Australia in September -- I can’t wait.

“I’m also going to compete which is very important for me. I’m excited.”