Charles Oliveira is currently focused on securing fights against top-tier opponents and does not view Ilia Topuria as being in that category.
In a recent interview with ABC MMA, Oliveira discussed his future plans as he waits for his next fight booking. “Do Bronx” is coming off a victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 309, a fight that earned him the Fight of the Night award. He remains a leading contender for the lightweight championship, which is currently held by Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira and Makhachev previously clashed at UFC 280, where Makhachev won by submission in the second round. Oliveira is eager for a rematch with Makhachev for the title. Topuria, the current featherweight champion who is expected to move up to lightweight soon, has expressed interest in fighting Oliveira as a stepping stone to a title shot against Makhachev. However, Oliveira is not enthusiastic about this idea.
“There are many discussions happening,” Oliveira stated in Portuguese. “A lot of people are talking about various things. But my focus is on the title, and the current champion is Islam Makhachev. Topuria is a very tough competitor and deserves respect.
“However, at this moment, I don`t see a fight with Topuria as a major event. If my goal is to regain the title, then my path leads to a fight with Makhachev to become champion again.”
Oliveira also recently commented that he believes he could defeat the undefeated Topuria by knockout if they were to fight.
It is unclear which of Oliveira`s recent remarks prompted Topuria`s response, but “El Matador” took to social media to address Oliveira, telling him to “stay quiet” in a forceful manner.
Topuria`s message to Oliveira was: “Charles, you should be quiet. You have a record of 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 1 by decision. You are a contender, while I am the champion, the leading figure in the division. I am not asking for anything here. I am in charge.”
Topuria aims to become a champion in two weight divisions, building on his undefeated 8-0 record in the UFC. This record includes recent knockout victories against featherweight legends Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in his last two fights.
