Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira: Should Oliveira entertain this fight or pursue a title shot instead?

The world of MMA is no stranger to heated rivalries, and recently, a verbal sparring match between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira has captivated fans. This exchange on social media has sparked debates about potential future matchups in the UFC lightweight division.

Topuria, fresh off his UFC featherweight title reign, has made it clear that he is aiming for dominance in the lightweight division. On the other hand, Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, believes that if he wants to reclaim the title, he must focus on fighting top contenders like Islam Makhachev instead of engaging in a bout with Topuria.

Charles Oliveira: The Battle-Tested Veteran

Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira has had one of the most inspirational journeys in UFC history. From struggling early in his career to becoming the UFC lightweight champion, his evolution as a fighter has been remarkable.

Born and raised in Brazil, Oliveira faced immense hardships growing up. However, his talent in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) helped him transition to MMA, where he became known for his elite grappling skills. Over time, he honed his striking, making him a well-rounded fighter.

Oliveira’s Championship Reign & Setbacks

Oliveira won the vacant UFC lightweight title by defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 262 in 2021. He then defended his belt successfully against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, solidifying his place as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

However, controversy struck when he was stripped of his title due to missing weight before his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274. Although he won the fight, he lost his champion status. Later, he faced Islam Makhachev at UFC 280 for the vacant title but suffered a submission loss, halting his championship aspirations.

After bouncing back with a TKO victory over Beneil Dariush, Oliveira was set to rematch Makhachev at UFC 294 but had to withdraw due to an injury. Instead, he faced Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 but lost via a split decision, which further delayed his title hopes.

Why Oliveira Dismissed the Topuria Fight

Despite Topuria’s rising status, Oliveira doesn’t see him as a relevant opponent in his title pursuit. He emphasized that his goal is to fight Makhachev again and reclaim his belt rather than facing a featherweight moving up.

His argument is logical:

• Topuria has never fought in the UFC lightweight division.

• Oliveira wants a direct path to the belt, not side quests.

• A fight against Makhachev makes more sense for his legacy.

However, Topuria wasn’t pleased with Oliveira’s stance.

Ilia Topuria: The Rising Star with Championship Aspirations

Ilia “El Matador” Topuria has quickly become one of the most exciting names in UFC. With an undefeated record and a dominant style, the Georgian-Spanish fighter has shown he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Topuria’s Dominance in the Featherweight Division

Topuria’s rise in the featherweight division was nothing short of spectacular. He defeated elite contenders like Josh Emmett and Brian Ortega, proving his well-rounded skills in both striking and grappling.

His biggest achievement came when he dismantled Alexander Volkanovski to claim the UFC featherweight championship. However, instead of defending his belt multiple times, he shocked the world by announcing his move to lightweight.

Why Topuria Wants to Fight Oliveira

From Topuria’s perspective, Oliveira is a high-profile opponent that would give him immediate credibility in the lightweight division. Defeating a former champion would solidify his status as a legitimate title contender at 155 lbs.

Topuria Fires Back at Oliveira

In response to Oliveira’s comments, Topuria took to social media and mocked his record, stating:

“Charles, better stay quiet. You have 10 losses: 5 by KO, 4 by submission, and 1 by decision. I’m the champion. I run this division now.”

This bold statement shows that Topuria believes he is the new face of UFC lightweight. But is he really?

Does Topuria Deserve a Fight Against Oliveira?

There are two sides to this debate:

Why Topuria Deserves It

1. Marketing Value: A fight between Oliveira and Topuria would generate huge PPV numbers.

2. Topuria’s Undefeated Streak: He’s never lost in his MMA career.

3. Fast-Track to a Lightweight Title Shot: A win over Oliveira could give Topuria a chance at the lightweight belt sooner.

Why Oliveira Should Ignore It

1. No Lightweight Fights Yet: Topuria hasn’t fought at 155 lbs in UFC.

2. Oliveira’s Priorities: He wants a rematch with Makhachev to regain the belt.

3. Topuria Needs to Prove Himself: He should fight top lightweights first, such as Dustin Poirier, Beneil Dariush, or Justin Gaethje, before demanding Oliveira.

Potential Impact on the Lightweight Division

If this fight happens, it could reshape the entire lightweight division. A win for Oliveira could reassert his dominance, while a win for Topuria would instantly put him in the title conversation.

Other Possible Matchups for Oliveira

• Islam Makhachev (Champion) – UFC 302 Potential Fight

• Dustin Poirier – Legacy Fight

• Justin Gaethje – Possible BMF Title Fight

Other Possible Matchups for Topuria

• Arman Tsarukyan – Young Contender vs. Young Contender

• Michael Chandler – UFC’s Wild Card Fighter

• Rafael Fiziev – Striker vs. Striker Battle

What UFC President Dana White Thinks

Dana White has not officially addressed this beef, but knowing his promotional style, he may capitalize on the hype and book this fight. If the UFC wants to make a blockbuster event, pairing Oliveira vs. Topuria could be the main or co-main event of a major PPV card.

Final Thoughts: Should This Fight Happen?

This is a classic veteran vs. rising star matchup. Oliveira has experience, skill, and a championship mindset, while Topuria brings youth, hunger, and an undefeated streak.

However, timing is crucial. If Topuria truly wants a lightweight title shot, he may need to prove himself against another 155er first before demanding a fight against Oliveira.

Regardless of what happens next, this rivalry has already added another layer of excitement to the UFC lightweight division. Fans are now waiting for UFC’s next move, and only time will tell if Oliveira vs. Topuria will become a reality.