Charles Oliveira Warns UFC Fans: ‘Don’t Rush to Praise Topuria, Gaethje Once Fell Under My Hands!’

The UFC lightweight division is about to witness a monumental showdown that could shift the course of the 155-pound landscape. On June 28 at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, former champion Charles Oliveira and undefeated rising star Ilia Topuria will collide for the vacant UFC lightweight championship, left open by reigning champ Islam Makhachev.

With Oliveira’s relentless aggression and Topuria’s flawless record, fans are bracing for a potential Fight of the Year contender. But this isn’t just about titles—it’s about legacy, dominance, and proving who truly belongs at the top of MMA’s most dangerous division.

The Fire in Charles Oliveira’s Hands

Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira (35-10, 1 NC) has built his reputation as one of the most electrifying finishers in MMA history. His resume includes a record-setting 31 finishes in 35 victories, and an astonishing 20 post-fight bonuses, making him the embodiment of UFC excitement.

After suffering a controversial split decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan, Oliveira bounced back at UFC 309, where he delivered a vintage performance against Michael Chandler, once again reminding the world of his devastating striking and submission prowess.

When asked about his upcoming bout with Ilia Topuria, Oliveira didn’t mince words.

“I will knock this guy out. That’s for real.”

He spoke with conviction, referencing the time he floored Justin Gaethje—widely considered one of the hardest hitters in the division—before submitting him in brutal fashion at UFC 274. According to Oliveira, the so-called lightweight “power” that Topuria claims to carry will not faze him.

“I believe in the fire and power of these hands I have,” he told Full Violence. “Let’s wait and meet on June 28.”

Topuria’s Undefeated Rise

Ilia “El Matador” Topuria (16-0) has taken the UFC by storm. Known for his crisp boxing, relentless pressure, and supreme confidence, the Georgian-Spanish striker has become a serious threat in both the featherweight and now lightweight divisions.

What truly cemented his name among the elite was his knockout victory over Max Holloway—a feat no fighter in UFC history had previously accomplished. Holloway, famous for his granite chin and high-volume striking, was shut down by Topuria’s precise power shots in a performance that stunned the MMA world.

Even more impressive was Topuria’s finish of Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion, solidifying his case as one of the pound-for-pound most dangerous strikers in the UFC today.

However, not everything in Topuria’s record is untouchable.

The Jai Herbert Scare

During a brief stint at lightweight, Topuria was dropped by Jai Herbert, a durable but relatively unheralded striker. While Topuria ultimately recovered and finished the fight, the moment revealed potential vulnerabilities in his defense and chin when facing true lightweight power.

That moment hasn’t been forgotten—especially by Charles Oliveira.

“He’s talking about the lightweight category. The harder category,” Oliveira said. “I fought Gaethje, and when I did, he went down.”

Topuria may be undefeated, but the reality is, lightweight is a different animal. The shots hit harder, the pace is faster, and the margin for error is razor-thin.

Power vs Precision: What’s at Stake?

What makes this matchup so compelling is the stylistic clash. Charles Oliveira, with his chaotic but calculated aggression, walks into fire to land his own shots and thrives in scrambles where most would fold. His ability to transition between high-level Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu makes him an unpredictable nightmare.

On the other hand, Ilia Topuria is a cold, methodical technician. He doesn’t waste energy. His footwork is sharp, his counters are brutal, and when he sees an opening, he capitalizes with ruthless efficiency.

This fight is more than just an exchange of fists and kicks—it’s a war of philosophies:

• Oliveira’s fire versus Topuria’s ice.

• Unrelenting chaos versus calculated destruction.

• Experience versus undefeated momentum.

Islam Makhachev’s Shadow Looms

Though the title is vacant, the presence of Islam Makhachev—who stepped away due to injury—is still felt heavily over this bout. Makhachev was last seen submitting Oliveira at UFC 280 in dominant fashion. Since then, fans and pundits have questioned whether Oliveira has truly evolved or if his vulnerabilities remain exposed.

Now, should Oliveira regain the belt, a rematch with Makhachev seems inevitable. But if Topuria captures gold, the conversation shifts completely. Could the new champion be the man to finally challenge the Dagestani powerhouse in a stylistically thrilling bout?

Either way, UFC 317 could define the future of the division.

Can Oliveira Handle Topuria’s Speed?

Despite his power and jiu-jitsu, one concern for Oliveira is his historical vulnerability to early damage. Fighters like Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje all hurt him early before being finished later. Against a precision striker like Topuria, that window could be catastrophic.

Topuria’s opening round is often his deadliest. If Oliveira hasn’t adjusted his defense or still relies on absorbing punishment to create chaos, he may not survive long enough to mount his comeback.

Is Topuria Ready for the Ground Game?

On the flip side, Topuria has never faced a submission artist of Oliveira’s caliber. The moment this fight hits the mat—even for a few seconds—Oliveira’s ability to snatch necks and limbs can end the fight in the blink of an eye.

Can Topuria avoid the ground entirely? Or will he have to survive dangerous grappling exchanges against the UFC’s all-time submissions leader?

Fan Reactions and Predictions

As the fight draws near, MMA fans are fiercely divided. Some believe Oliveira’s experience and ground game will overwhelm Topuria’s confidence. Others argue that Topuria’s boxing and composure will be too much for “Do Bronx.”

On forums and social media, the opinions are polarizing:

• “If Topuria touches him early, it’s lights out.”

• “Oliveira has been in deeper waters. He’ll drag Topuria there and drown him.”

• “This fight won’t see the third round. Someone’s getting slept.”

What a Win Means for Each Fighter

For Charles Oliveira, this fight is a chance at redemption and legacy. Winning the title again after a crushing loss to Makhachev would cement him as a two-time champion and possibly the most exciting lightweight in history.

For Ilia Topuria, it’s validation. A win here makes him the first fighter to be both a featherweight contender and lightweight champion, instantly skyrocketing him into pound-for-pound debates.

It’s the ultimate “prove-it” moment for both men.

Final Prediction: Fireworks on the Vegas Strip

There’s no doubt that UFC 317 will deliver fireworks. Whether it’s an early knockout or a late-round submission, this fight is almost guaranteed not to go the distance.

Charles Oliveira will bring the chaos. He’ll press forward, force Topuria to engage in wild exchanges, and seek to create scrambles where his submission game shines. But if Ilia Topuria stays composed and keeps it standing, the path to victory could come quickly—and violently.