“I’ve heard it all before!” – Charles Oliveira coldly rejected Ilia Topuria’s apology

Charles Oliveira, the former UFC Lightweight Champion, is no stranger to doubt, disrespect, or trash talk. As one of the most dynamic fighters in MMA history, Oliveira has built a legacy out of rising from the ashes, overcoming early-career setbacks, and evolving into one of the most feared submission artists in UFC history. Now, as he gears up for yet another high-stakes showdown — this time against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 — “Do Bronx” finds himself in a familiar position: doubted and underestimated.

Recently, in a sit-down interview on an MMA podcast, Oliveira was asked about Topuria’s rumored plan to talk trash in the lead-up to their highly anticipated fight. The Brazilian’s response? Calm, composed, and full of experience.

“Been in there for 15 years,” said Oliveira. “I’ve seen a lot of these guys say a lot of things. That I give up. That I’m going to lose. That they’re going to knock me out. And then when the time comes, they don’t do anything.”

Ilia Topuria’s Apology: A New Tactic or a Psychological Ploy?

Interestingly, Ilia Topuria, the reigning UFC Featherweight Champion who’s moving up to lightweight, reportedly issued an apology in advance for the trash talk he may unleash in the buildup to UFC 317. Known for his confidence and brashness, Topuria has verbally dismantled many of his opponents — but Oliveira’s track record and fan support might have prompted a change in tone.

Whether sincere or strategic, the apology didn’t seem to rattle Charles Oliveira, who has heard it all before. The Brazilian star made it clear that no amount of talk — hostile or apologetic — would influence his mindset.

“At the end of the day, none of it matters,” Oliveira added. “We fight in the cage. The talking? That’s for the media.”

The Incredible Evolution of Charles Oliveira

To understand why Charles Oliveira isn’t fazed by fighters like Topuria, you have to examine his incredible career trajectory. The man once considered soft, mentally weak, and prone to breaking under pressure has since become the embodiment of resilience.

Early in his UFC career, Oliveira suffered tough losses to veterans like Cub Swanson, Jim Miller, and even infamously tapped to strikes against Paul Felder. At one point, he was labeled a talented but unreliable fighter — someone who couldn’t handle adversity.

But then, the switch flipped.

From 2018 onward, Oliveira began one of the most impressive runs in UFC history:

• 11-fight win streak

• Wins over Tony Ferguson, Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje

• A dominant title reign that showcased his submission threat, knockout power, and improved mental fortitude

His transformation from perennial prospect to world champion was nothing short of miraculous. Charles Oliveira became a symbol of what perseverance, hard work, and reinvention can achieve.

The Doubt Never Stops

Despite his resurgence, Oliveira remains an underdog in many of his biggest fights — and the matchup against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 is no exception. With Topuria fresh off a dominant performance over Alexander Volkanovski, many fans and analysts believe the Spanish-Georgian phenom is destined to dominate both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.

Topuria’s record is nearly flawless. He boasts an undefeated streak and has knockout power, high-level jiu-jitsu, and a fight IQ that seems beyond his years. His win over Max Holloway and Volkanovski has put him in GOAT conversations at featherweight — and now he wants to test himself against the best of the lightweights.

But Oliveira isn’t buying the hype.

“Every time they say I’m going to get knocked out, I prove them wrong,” he stated. “This is nothing new. Let them talk.”

UFC 317: A Clash of Eras and Styles

The bout between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria isn’t just a fight — it’s a clash of philosophies, eras, and styles.

• Oliveira is a veteran with 30+ UFC fights, the most finishes in UFC history, and a dangerous blend of Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

• Topuria is the surging star, undefeated and brimming with confidence, showcasing boxing precision, relentless pressure, and youthful explosiveness.

On paper, this is the kind of fight that sells out arenas — a former champion fighting for respect, and a current champion looking to conquer a new kingdom.

What’s at Stake?

For Charles Oliveira, a win would launch him back into the title picture, perhaps even setting up a rematch with Islam Makhachev, who defeated him for the lightweight title in 2022. It would also serve as a powerful rebuttal to critics who once again question his ability to hang with the new generation.

For Ilia Topuria, a win over Oliveira would validate his move to lightweight and instantly catapult him into pound-for-pound stardom. Beating a former champ like “Do Bronx” would erase any doubts about whether his skillset translates to a higher weight class.

Why Charles Oliveira Shouldn’t Be Counted Out

Despite being the underdog, Oliveira has every tool to win this fight:

• Elite grappling: His submission skills are arguably the best in UFC history. If the fight hits the mat, Topuria could be in real trouble.

• Underrated striking: Oliveira has developed powerful and technical Muay Thai. His knockouts of Michael Chandler and Jared Gordon prove that.

• Experience under fire: He’s been in five-round wars, come back from the brink, and fought under the brightest lights — something Topuria hasn’t yet faced at lightweight.

Let’s not forget: Oliveira was also the underdog against Poirier, Gaethje, and Chandler — and he beat them all.

The Mental Game: Oliveira Has the Edge

While Topuria’s confidence is undeniable, Oliveira’s mental evolution may give him a psychological edge. The Brazilian used to falter under pressure — now, he thrives in it. His calm demeanor in response to Topuria’s pre-fight antics shows a man who has learned not just how to fight, but how to handle the circus around it.

“They’ve said it all before,” he said, “and they’ll keep saying it. But I’m still here.”

Final Prediction: Can Oliveira Climb Another Mountain?

The odds might favor Ilia Topuria, but dismissing Charles Oliveira is a dangerous mistake — one that many of his past opponents paid dearly for. At UFC 317, the Brazilian will once again enter the Octagon with nothing to lose and everything to prove.

Topuria is a future star, no doubt. But Oliveira is a man forged in fire — and when he’s counted out, he becomes most dangerous.

Win or lose, Charles Oliveira has already achieved a legacy few can touch. And if he manages to derail the Topuria hype train, it will be yet another chapter in the epic redemption arc of Do Bronx — the fighter who never stopped evolving.