Charles Oliveira and the plan to conquer the lightweight title: Why did he turn down Pimblett and target Ilia Topuria?

The UFC lightweight division is once again engulfed in uncertainty, with multiple contenders vying for a shot at the belt. Among them stands former champion Charles Oliveira, who, despite a recent win at UFC 309, finds himself in a precarious position. As rising star Ilia Topuria disrupts the title picture, Oliveira has made it clear: he’s only interested in fighting for gold, and Topuria could be next.

Charles Oliveira’s Dilemma: Caught Between Familiar Foes

Charles Oliveira currently sits at the No. 2 spot in the UFC lightweight rankings, behind two men who have previously defeated him—Islam Makhachev, the reigning champion, and Arman Tsarukyan, the current top contender. This position puts Oliveira in a tight spot: close enough to taste another title opportunity, but not without roadblocks.

His most recent victory came at UFC 309, where he dispatched Michael Chandler in a rematch. Although Chandler was no longer viewed as a top-tier threat, the win served as a reminder of Oliveira’s still-potent skill set. However, the victory didn’t significantly elevate Oliveira’s status, especially considering Chandler’s fall in the rankings. Still, a win is a win, and Oliveira is using it as a springboard to push for another title shot.

Despite being a former champion, Oliveira finds himself needing a compelling case to jump ahead of Tsarukyan or bypass the waiting game for Makhachev. And that’s where Ilia Topuria comes in.

Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise Adds Pressure on Contenders

Ilia Topuria is the wildcard in the lightweight title equation. The newly crowned featherweight champion has made no secret of his ambition to move up and challenge for a second title. The UFC, keen to promote new superstars, has already hinted at giving Topuria an immediate lightweight title shot, complicating the path for those like Oliveira and Tsarukyan, who’ve been grinding their way through the rankings.

Topuria’s recent statements indicate that he’s aiming directly at Islam Makhachev, setting up a potential champ-vs-champ superfight. That development has stirred frustration among other contenders who believe they’ve done more to earn the opportunity. Oliveira, however, doesn’t seem fazed. Instead, he’s embraced the idea of fighting Topuria if it means getting back to the belt.

“If it’s for the title, why not him?” Oliveira stated in a recent interview. “I’m chasing gold. I don’t need to fight anyone else while I wait—I want the belt, not just another payday.”

His remarks signal a shift in focus: rather than climb the ladder again, Oliveira is willing to meet the UFC where its promotional momentum is heading—even if it means skipping past Tsarukyan in favor of the more marketable Topuria.

Paddy Pimblett: No Threat to Oliveira’s Title Aspirations

One name that has stirred buzz lately is Paddy Pimblett, who recently defeated Chandler at UFC 314 and entered the lightweight top 10. While Pimblett’s win has ignited debates about his legitimacy as a contender, Oliveira made his position crystal clear: Pimblett is not on his radar.

“Paddy’s doing well, but I don’t care about anyone ranked below me,” Oliveira said. “Everyone talks to get a big fight, and I understand. I’ve done it too. But now, I’m in a place where I only look up, not down.”

Pimblett’s flamboyant personality and growing fan base might earn him big matchups, but Oliveira is playing the long game. His focus remains singular—getting back the belt he lost to Islam Makhachev.

Oliveira’s dismissal of Pimblett also serves as a broader message to the UFC matchmaking team: he won’t be baited into a fight that does nothing for his title ambitions.

Injury Setbacks and Missed Opportunities Haunt the Lightweight Division

One of the most frustrating aspects of the current lightweight landscape is how frequently injuries have derailed title fights. Charles Oliveira was originally set to rematch Makhachev at UFC 294, but a last-minute injury forced him to withdraw. That opportunity went to Alexander Volkanovski, who lost in decisive fashion.

Similarly, Arman Tsarukyan was scheduled to fight Makhachev at UFC 311, only to pull out a day before the bout due to medical issues. These cancellations have made UFC president Dana White increasingly vocal, insisting that fighters must prove their reliability before earning another shot.

In this environment, Oliveira knows that a clean bill of health and a clear, exciting matchup could be his ticket back to the top. That’s why he’s targeting International Fight Week in June for his return, aiming to stay active and ready should Makhachev’s timeline align.

“I was thinking of the BMF title against Max Holloway because Islam looked like he’d only return in October,” said Oliveira. “Now that Islam might fight in June, I’ve paused those plans. I’m not running from anyone—I’ll fight whoever if it’s for gold.”

Why Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria Could Be the Fight to Make

A matchup between Oliveira and Topuria might sound unconventional, but in today’s UFC, star power and momentum often outweigh rankings. Both fighters have aggressive styles, strong finishes, and the kind of charisma that sells pay-per-views.

Topuria’s sharp boxing and relentless pressure could be an exciting test for Oliveira’s elite jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai. More importantly, it would resolve a critical issue in the lightweight division: who really deserves to fight Makhachev next?

If Oliveira defeats Topuria, he earns back his title shot and puts a rising star in check. If Topuria wins, he becomes a legitimate two-division title threat, potentially setting up a superfight that draws massive global attention.

From a promotional standpoint, it’s a win-win. For Oliveira, it’s a shortcut back to the belt. For Topuria, it’s a proving ground.

The UFC’s Logjam: Who Gets Makhachev First?

With three names—Oliveira, Tsarukyan, and Topuria—all within striking distance of a title shot, the UFC has a logjam on its hands. Dana White has stated that Tsarukyan needs another fight, potentially against Dustin Poirier or Justin Gaethje, before he gets his shot.

If that happens, Oliveira vs. Topuria becomes the clear next step, especially if the UFC wants a backup plan in case Makhachev isn’t ready. This would also give the UFC flexibility to promote a huge co-main event during International Fight Week or another blockbuster card in Abu Dhabi.

Given his recent comments, Oliveira seems more than ready: “I don’t run from anyone. I’ve never done that and I won’t start now. I respect everyone, but I’m here to fight and prove myself. If it’s Topuria, let’s go.”

Final Thoughts: Oliveira’s Title Mindset and UFC’s Future

Charles Oliveira has made his intentions crystal clear: no distractions, no detours—only the title. His willingness to face a dangerous opponent like Ilia Topuria speaks volumes about his confidence and legacy goals.

As the lightweight division continues to churn with injuries, call-outs, and rising stars, one thing remains constant—Oliveira’s desire to reclaim his throne. Whether it’s against Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria, or anyone else wearing the belt, he’s ready for war.

The only question now is: will the UFC give him the opportunity he craves, or will politics and timing once again delay his road to redemption?