Charles Oliveira Vs. Ilia Topuria: If Islam Makhachev Moves Up a Weight Class, Could This Be the Most Exciting UFC Fight of 2025 That Fans Can’t Miss?

The UFC landscape is ever-evolving, and with Islam Makhachev hinting at a move up to the welterweight division, the lightweight and featherweight divisions could undergo massive shifts. One such intriguing scenario is a potential matchup between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria, should the stars align in 2025. This clash could easily become one of the most thrilling and high-stakes fights of the year, delivering a stylistic and emotional spectacle that fans across the globe won’t want to miss.

The Background: Islam Makhachev’s Potential Departure Creates a Power Vacuum

For over a year, Islam Makhachev has asserted dominance in the UFC lightweight division. With victories over fighters like Oliveira and Volkanovski, Makhachev has proven himself a formidable force. However, speculation has been growing that Makhachev is considering a jump to welterweight, a division ripe with new challenges and opportunities for legacy-building.

Should Makhachev vacate his lightweight title, the top contenders will scramble for the opportunity to fight for the belt. Charles Oliveira, a former lightweight champion, and Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight titleholder, could meet at 155 pounds in a supercharged superfight.

Charles Oliveira: Still Dangerous, Still Hungry

No one can deny that Charles Oliveira has had one of the most thrilling UFC career arcs. From early career inconsistencies to becoming the most dangerous submission artist in UFC history, Oliveira’s rise has been inspirational. Even after losing to Makhachev, Oliveira bounced back by demolishing Beneil Dariush in spectacular fashion.

He remains in the title mix and has shown that he can beat almost anyone on a good night. With Oliveira’s finishing ability, particularly his elite-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he poses a nightmare matchup for most fighters, including someone as explosive and confident as Topuria.

Ilia Topuria: The Meteoric Rise of a Featherweight Champion

Ilia Topuria’s ascension to UFC champion status has been nothing short of meteoric. His victory over Alexander Volkanovski stunned the world, cementing his name among the elite. With crisp boxing, devastating knockout power, and unshakable self-belief, Topuria has rapidly become one of the most marketable fighters in the UFC.

What sets Topuria apart is not just his physical ability, but his psychological warfare. He is a master of mind games and thrives under pressure. This unique edge would make a potential move to lightweight and a showdown with someone like Oliveira all the more compelling.

Stylistic Matchup: Grappler vs. Striker – But With a Twist

At first glance, this appears to be a classic grappler vs. striker matchup, but it’s far more complex than that. Oliveira has shown improved striking over the years, with crisp knees, elbows, and a dangerous clinch game. Meanwhile, Topuria has underrated grappling credentials and has handled strong wrestlers and submission artists with composure.

In the striking department, Topuria holds the edge with his boxing combinations, head movement, and timing. But Oliveira’s unpredictable attacks, which mix punches, kicks, and submissions, make him incredibly dangerous at all ranges. If the fight hits the ground, Topuria must tread cautiously, as Oliveira is known to submit opponents from virtually any position.

What’s at Stake: Legacy, Titles, and The Post-Makhachev Era

This fight wouldn’t just be about a title—it would symbolize the dawn of a new era in the UFC lightweight division. With Makhachev gone, Oliveira and Topuria would represent the two best candidates to inherit the throne. A win for Oliveira would mean reclaiming the title and reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights ever. For Topuria, it would mean becoming a two-division champion, an accolade that only a few elite fighters have achieved.

A Topuria win would launch his superstardom to an even greater level, potentially setting up massive future fights with the likes of Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, or even a returning Conor McGregor. For Oliveira, this would be redemption, closure, and a chance to rewrite the ending of his championship story.

Fan Perspective: Why This Fight Could Headline UFC 2025

From a fan standpoint, this matchup is a dream come true. You have two dynamic finishers, two champions, and two highly popular fighters who bring contrasting styles. The buildup would be electric, with Topuria likely engaging in verbal warfare while Oliveira lets his calm demeanor speak for itself.

Given the popularity of both fighters in Latin America and Europe, UFC could even target an international venue, such as Spain or Brazil, to maximize global attention. This wouldn’t just be a fight—it would be a global combat sports event.

What Each Fighter Needs to Do to Win

For Oliveira to win, he needs to survive the early storm and find his rhythm. Topuria tends to start fast and aggressively, but if Oliveira can weather that and start implementing his submission game in the later rounds, he’ll have a great chance.

Topuria, on the other hand, will need to control the distance and avoid Oliveira’s dangerous guard. Keeping the fight standing, utilizing movement, and landing clean, hard shots will be essential. His fight IQ and adaptability will be tested more than ever.

The X-Factor: Fight IQ and Durability

One critical factor in this matchup is durability. Oliveira has been hurt in many of his fights but often recovers quickly and capitalizes on opponents’ mistakes. However, against someone like Topuria, who has shown the ability to finish cleanly, Oliveira may not get many second chances.

Topuria’s fight IQ has been impressive thus far, but he hasn’t faced someone with the level of chaos and unpredictability that Oliveira brings. The first few exchanges will be crucial in setting the tone of the fight.

What If It Doesn’t Happen? A Missed Opportunity for the UFC

Of course, this superfight depends on several conditions—Makhachev moving up, Topuria accepting the fight at lightweight, and Oliveira being available. If it doesn’t happen, it would be one of those “what if” fights that fans endlessly debate.

However, UFC has shown that when the public demands it, they find a way. And with both fighters keen on cementing their legacies, the motivation is certainly there. The ball is now in Dana White’s court.

Final Thoughts: A Fight Too Good to Pass Up

If Islam Makhachev indeed vacates his belt and focuses on conquering welterweight, then Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria should be the top priority for the UFC in 2025. It checks every box—skill, legacy, drama, and entertainment.

This is the kind of matchup that defines an era. With two high-octane, emotionally driven, and highly skilled fighters, the fight promises fireworks from the opening bell. Whether you’re a fan of the technical ground game or highlight-reel knockouts, this potential showdown delivers on all fronts.

In the UFC, timing is everything. And if the stars align, Oliveira vs. Topuria could very well be the fight of the year—or even the fight of the decade.