Public Humiliation? Charles Oliveira Bluntly Points Out That Ilia Topuria Is Not Skilled Enough To Face Him.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the UFC, the next title fight is rarely just about skill—it’s about timing, marketability, and influence. Few fighters understand this better than Charles Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion, who has been at the very top and knows the delicate balance between sport and business.

Recently, Oliveira shocked many fans by openly dismissing Paddy Pimblett as a viable opponent for Ilia Topuria’s next fight. Instead, he pointed to Arman Tsarukyan, the surging contender, as the man who deserves the shot. This declaration not only challenges UFC matchmaking decisions but also reignites debates about meritocracy, favoritism, and the thin line between sporting integrity and promotional strategy.

In this in-depth analysis, we’ll unpack Oliveira’s comments, examine Pimblett’s star power, evaluate Tsarukyan’s legitimacy, and explore what all of this means for Ilia Topuria, the reigning featherweight king with ambitions beyond his weight class.

Who Is Charles Oliveira? The Veteran Voice of Authority

To understand why Oliveira’s words carry so much weight, we need to revisit his career.

Nationality: Brazilian
Nickname: Do Bronx
Division: Lightweight (155 lbs)
Achievements: Former UFC Lightweight Champion, record holder for most submission wins in UFC history
Legacy: Known for resilience, finishing ability, and an all-action style

Oliveira has fought the best of the best—Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, and Islam Makhachev. He’s experienced both the triumph of winning the title and the heartbreak of losing it.

Having recently lost to Ilia Topuria by knockout, Oliveira speaks not just as a contender but as someone who has shared the Octagon with Topuria and understands the level of danger he presents. His endorsement of Arman Tsarukyan isn’t random—it’s the opinion of a fighter who recognizes real threats.

Who Is Ilia Topuria? The UFC’s Rising Superstar

Ilia Topuria, nicknamed El Matador, has rapidly ascended the UFC ranks.

Nationality: Georgian-Spanish
Division: Featherweight Champion (145 lbs), considering moves to Lightweight and potentially Welterweight
Fighting Style: Explosive striking, knockout power, underrated grappling
Marketability: Charismatic personality, bilingual interviews, and strong fan bases in Spain, Georgia, and Latin America

Topuria’s victory over Charles Oliveira solidified his status as not just a champion but a potential global superstar. His bold ambition to become a multi-division champion echoes the path of Conor McGregor and Henry Cejudo, putting him at the center of UFC’s promotional strategy.

But with big ambitions come big questions—who should be his next opponent?

Paddy Pimblett: The Commercial Darling of UFC

Paddy Pimblett, known as The Baddy, is one of the most polarizing figures in the UFC today.

Nationality: English
Division: Lightweight (155 lbs)
Fighting Style: Aggressive striking, flashy submissions, but questionable defense against top-tier opponents
Star Power: Massive fan following in the UK, strong social media presence, and crossover appeal

For UFC executives, Pimblett represents a cash cow. His fights sell tickets, his interviews go viral, and his antics guarantee headlines. From a business standpoint, pairing Pimblett vs. Topuria makes perfect sense. It’s a fight that could headline a UK card or sell huge pay-per-views internationally.

But here’s the catch: while Pimblett is marketable, his competitive legitimacy remains questionable. He hasn’t beaten elite names at lightweight, and critics argue he isn’t ready for a title shot. That’s where Charles Oliveira’s snub comes into play.

Arman Tsarukyan: The Contender Who Earned His Shot

Arman Tsarukyan is the fighter Oliveira believes should be next for Topuria.

Nationality: Armenian-Russian
Division: Lightweight (155 lbs), currently ranked No. 1 contender
Fighting Style: Relentless wrestling, high-pressure striking, elite cardio
Key Wins: Notable victories over Beneil Dariush, Joaquim Silva, and Mateusz Gamrot

Tsarukyan has built his case the hard way—through grinding wins, facing tough opponents, and proving his evolution as a fighter. Unlike Pimblett, Tsarukyan doesn’t rely on charisma or theatrics. His credibility lies in his skills, ranking, and performances.

For Oliveira, the logic is simple: titles should be defended against the best, not just the most popular. By endorsing Tsarukyan, Oliveira is advocating for meritocracy in a sport that often tilts toward spectacle.

Oliveira’s Exact Argument: Why Tsarukyan Over Pimblett

Oliveira has laid out his reasoning clearly:

Tsarukyan is ranked higher. As the No. 1 contender, he has earned the opportunity.
Pimblett isn’t proven at the top level. His resume doesn’t justify skipping ahead of Gaethje or Tsarukyan.
Fans deserve legitimacy. Oliveira argues that title fights should be decided by merit, not just marketing appeal.
His own comeback depends on fairness. By backing Tsarukyan, Oliveira sets the stage for a fairer competitive landscape—one he hopes to re-enter if he defeats Rafael Fiziev in his comeback fight at UFC Rio.

The UFC Dilemma: Sport vs. Entertainment

The UFC is both a sport and a business, which means decisions are rarely black and white. Let’s break down the dynamics:

From a Business Standpoint

Pimblett vs. Topuria = Big PPV numbers, huge UK market, crossover media attention.
UFC loves creating stars, and Pimblett is tailor-made for the spotlight.

From a Sporting Standpoint

Tsarukyan vs. Topuria = A true test of skill, legitimacy, and ranking integrity.
Hardcore MMA fans prefer this matchup because it rewards meritocracy.

This conflict—business vs. sport—has been at the heart of UFC matchmaking controversies for years. Whether it’s McGregor skipping the line or Sean O’Malley getting a title shot, the promotion has often chosen marketability over rankings.

Strengths of Oliveira’s Position

Credibility as a former champion: Oliveira knows the game and has fought the best.
Support for meritocracy: Backing Tsarukyan sends the message that rankings matter.
Public pressure on UFC: By speaking out, Oliveira forces UFC to consider fan backlash if Pimblett gets the shot.

Weaknesses of Oliveira’s Position

UFC doesn’t always follow rankings: His argument might fall on deaf ears if UFC prioritizes money.
Pimblett’s popularity is undeniable: Even if undeserving, Pimblett can generate more revenue.
Oliveira’s own stake: Critics might say Oliveira is pushing Tsarukyan to weaken Topuria for his own future chance.

What Happens If Pimblett Gets the Shot?

If UFC books Topuria vs. Pimblett, the backlash will be fierce among hardcore fans. However, the fight will sell.

If Pimblett wins, UFC gets a new superstar.
If Pimblett loses, UFC cashes in while keeping Topuria’s reign intact.
Either way, Arman Tsarukyan risks being sidelined, validating his fears of being “ducked.”

What Happens If Tsarukyan Gets the Shot?

If UFC follows Oliveira’s advice:

Fans celebrate a legitimate title fight.
Topuria gets a real test of his greatness.
Tsarukyan finally gets recognition and a chance to fulfill his destiny.

But from a business perspective, this fight may not sell as much as Pimblett vs. Topuria. UFC would have to rely more on hardcore MMA fans than casuals.

Justin Gaethje: The Forgotten Factor

While most debates focus on Pimblett and Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje remains in the wings. A proven warrior with knockout power, Gaethje has been in title contention for years. Oliveira acknowledges Gaethje but still insists Tsarukyan is next in line.

This highlights UFC’s abundance of options—but also its challenge in balancing fairness and revenue.

Oliveira’s Own Comeback: UFC Rio and Beyond

Oliveira is not just a spectator. His fight against Rafael Fiziev at UFC Rio (October 11) could reshape the narrative.

If Oliveira wins convincingly, he re-establishes himself as a contender.
If he loses, his influence in the title picture fades.

His endorsement of Tsarukyan, therefore, is strategic—it positions him as a guardian of competitive integrity while keeping his own name relevant in the title conversation.

UFC’s Storytelling Power: Manipulating Fans?

One of the biggest takeaways from this debate is UFC’s control over narratives.

By pushing Pimblett as a challenger, UFC can sell the story of “The Baddy takes on the champion.”
By booking Tsarukyan, UFC can market it as “The rightful No. 1 contender finally gets his shot.”

Either way, UFC shapes fan perception. Oliveira’s comments challenge UFC’s ability to prioritize spectacle over sport.

Predictions: What Comes Next?

Short-Term: UFC will tease both Pimblett and Tsarukyan as potential challengers to keep hype alive.
Medium-Term: If Pimblett wins one more big fight, UFC may justify giving him the title shot.
Long-Term: Tsarukyan will remain unavoidable if he keeps winning.

Meanwhile, Oliveira’s comeback fight at UFC Rio could change everything. A win makes him relevant again; a loss cements him as an elder statesman.

Conclusion: Legacy vs. Business in UFC

Charles Oliveira’s dismissal of Paddy Pimblett and endorsement of Arman Tsarukyan shines a spotlight on the eternal UFC struggle: Should titles be defended against the most popular challengers, or the most deserving ones?

For Ilia Topuria, the choice of opponent will define his legacy. Fight Pimblett, and he risks being accused of cherry-picking. Fight Tsarukyan, and he earns respect as a true champion.

For UFC, the decision reveals its priorities—short-term profit or long-term credibility.

And for fans? The drama continues. As Oliveira himself has proven, in UFC, the battles outside the cage can be just as intense as the ones inside it.

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