Ilia Topuria has just discovered Charles Oliveira’s critical weakness – And he believes he will put Oliveira to sleep in one round.

Ilia Topuria has never been shy about predicting violent finishes—and now, ahead of a potential showdown with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, he’s made his boldest claim yet.

In a recent interview, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom said:
“Charles is a great fighter. I’d say he’s a legendary fighter, one of the few still active in the UFC. But the truth is that his style fits perfectly with mine, to put him to sleep in the first round because he has no mobility, he doesn’t move.”

Topuria, who recently became the UFC featherweight champion with a devastating knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, now has his eyes locked on conquering the lightweight division. And in his mind, Charles Oliveira is the perfect victim.

A Respectful Yet Ruthless Assessment

What makes Topuria’s comments so compelling is the mixture of praise and brutal honesty. He acknowledges Oliveira’s status as a legend, but wastes no time pointing out what he believes are fatal flaws.

“He doesn’t move. That’s a problem,” Topuria said. “His striking defense is static, and he eats too many shots.”

While some fans might call it disrespectful, Topuria insists it’s simply facts over feelings.

“I respect what he’s done. But we’re talking about styles here—and his style is made for me.”

The Style Breakdown: Why Topuria Believes He’ll Finish Oliveira Early

Topuria’s confidence isn’t without merit. His aggressive, pressure-based striking has overwhelmed everyone he’s faced so far. With an undefeated record of 16-0, including 13 finishes, his precision, power, and footwork make him a nightmare for any opponent.

He explained:
“Oliveira stands too tall. He doesn’t move his head. He relies too much on his chin and grappling. But I won’t give him time to grapple. He’ll be asleep before that.”

This claim echoes criticisms others have had of Oliveira: that he’s hittable early in fights and sometimes too eager to engage in scrambles. Fighters like Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje all had Oliveira in trouble before being submitted or knocked out themselves.

Charles Oliveira’s Legendary Resume Still Intimidates

While Topuria exudes confidence, Charles Oliveira is no walkover. He holds the record for the most submissions and finishes in UFC history, and has beaten some of the division’s biggest names.

The Brazilian warrior has faced adversity time and again—being knocked down, rocked, and bloodied—only to come back and win.

His win over Justin Gaethje is a prime example. After being knocked down early, Oliveira bounced back to submit the American in less than a round.

So while Topuria sees an easy night, history suggests that underestimating Oliveira’s recovery and grappling is dangerous.

Topuria’s Knockout Power vs Oliveira’s Killer Instinct

This fight, if made, would be a true clash of violence. Topuria brings elite knockout power and world-class boxing. Oliveira counters with elite BJJ and underrated Muay Thai striking.

But Topuria believes Oliveira won’t even have time to work his submission game.

“He’s not getting to my legs. He’s not pulling guard. He’ll be unconscious before he even thinks about grappling,” Topuria said.

This level of confidence is reminiscent of Conor McGregor’s rise, and many fans are already drawing parallels between the two.

But while McGregor relied heavily on timing, Topuria blends explosive power with surgical precision.

Training for the Lightweight Transition

Critics argue that Topuria’s transition from featherweight to lightweight will come with serious challenges—bigger fighters, stronger grapplers, and tougher chins. But the 27-year-old isn’t concerned.

“I’m already walking around at 170. Lightweight is my natural weight,” he said.

He also hinted that training camp adjustments have already begun to prepare for Oliveira’s frame and jiu-jitsu.

“I’m training with heavier guys. BJJ black belts. Muay Thai killers. Everything Oliveira does—I’m seeing it every day.”

Oliveira Responds: “Let’s See If He Still Talks After Round One”

Not one to stay quiet, Charles Oliveira fired back in a recent interview of his own, warning Topuria that disrespect will come at a price.

“He talks a lot. He hasn’t been hit by someone like me. Let’s see if he still talks after round one,” Oliveira said.

Oliveira also dismissed the idea that he’s an easy target.

“Everyone says they’ll knock me out in the first round. Then I choke them or knock them out instead. He’ll learn the same lesson.”

The Stakes: A Legend vs The Future

If this fight is booked, it won’t just be another main event—it will be a cross-generational clash.

On one side: a battle-hardened former champ, with submission records and war-tested toughness. On the other: a flashy young champion hungry to prove he belongs among the UFC’s pound-for-pound elite.

A win for Topuria means he’ll be next in line for a title shot at lightweight, potentially facing Islam Makhachev for champ-champ glory.

A win for Oliveira would silence the hype and reaffirm that the old king is far from finished.

Fans React to Topuria’s Bold Prediction

Social media exploded after Topuria’s comments hit the internet.

🔹 One fan wrote:
“Topuria is a beast, but Oliveira’s been counted out too many times. He lives for these moments.”

🔹 Another replied:
“Ilia is calling his shot again. First Volkanovski, now Charles. Respect the confidence.”

Some believe Topuria is biting off more than he can chew, while others admire his McGregor-like bravado and unshakable belief.

Could Topuria Be the New Face of the UFC?

With McGregor’s star power fading and Khabib Nurmagomedov retired, the UFC is hungry for its next global star.

Ilia Topuria, fluent in multiple languages and backed by a passionate Spanish fanbase, might be that guy.

But Oliveira is his biggest test yet. And UFC history is filled with rising stars who flew too close to the sun.

Topuria knows the risk—but also the reward.

“If I knock out Oliveira in the first round, everyone will know. This is my era,” he said.

Fight Date Rumors and UFC 318 Hype

Rumors are swirling that the UFC is targeting this fight for UFC 318, which would place it in early fall 2025. With no official announcement yet, fans are waiting eagerly.

UFC President Dana White has previously hinted that both fighters are on his radar for big events this year, especially if they keep the verbal warfare going.

“This is the kind of fight fans love. No one backing down. Everyone swinging for the fences,” one insider said.

Final Prediction: Fireworks Guaranteed

No matter who wins, one thing is certain—this fight will not go the distance.

Topuria will push the pace and hunt the knockout. Oliveira will walk through fire and look for the kill.

If Topuria lands early, he might back up his prediction and score a highlight-reel finish. If Oliveira weathers the storm, he could drag the younger fighter into deep waters and drown him with pressure, volume, and submissions.

Fight fans should circle this matchup. It’s a must-watch, a powder keg, a violent masterpiece in the making.