Charles Oliveira might just have a significant advantage in preparing for his upcoming bout against Ilia Topuria.
Top featherweight contender Jean Silva has put forward his services to assist Oliveira in training for the vacant lightweight title fight scheduled for UFC 317 on June 28th in Las Vegas. Topuria`s recent move up to lightweight to pursue double-champion status, vacating his featherweight belt, left fighters like Silva looking for their next opportunity. However, “Lord” Silva believes he`s found a way to potentially disrupt Topuria`s plans by aiding “Do Bronx.”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Silva detailed his capability to replicate Topuria`s fighting style effectively if called upon to work with Oliveira.
Asserting his skills, Silva stated, “I did better than you (Topuria).” He drew comparisons, referencing Topuria`s fight against Bryce Mitchell where he “got hit, he got dizzy,” and was even knocked down in the UFC, unlike Silva. Silva questioned the duration and nature of Topuria`s wins, contrasting them with his own bouts, which he feels had “no fight” due to his thorough study of opponents, not their lack of skill.
“And if he wants to know where did I get that from, why I say I can mimic him, it’s from his fights,” Silva explained. He clarified that his claim isn`t malicious criticism but a form of strategic adaptation: “Not talking crap, I know he’s very successful, but that’s called copying what works and adapting. I’m doing that with Topuria. So yes, I can do everything he does.”
Silva went further, offering a detailed breakdown of Topuria`s vulnerabilities. He highlighted how “El Matador`s” explosive striking style, while powerful, can expose him to counters and leave him in compromising positions.
“I know he walks and hides his back foot to throw the straight or cross,” Silva observed. He pointed out Topuria’s powerful hips but noted that missing a heavy hook often causes him to over-rotate, exposing his back, a tendency he saw in the Bryce Mitchell fight.
Despite Topuria`s flawless 16-0 professional record, including an 8-0 run in the UFC capped by stunning knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, Silva believes Oliveira, a former lightweight king, possesses the tools to win if he`s at his best.
Acknowledging Topuria`s undefeated mindset as an advantage, Silva said, “Topuria doesn’t believe he can lose, and that alone is a good advantage for him.” However, he added, “But if the Charles [that fought Michael Chandler] goes to this fight, he doesn’t need Jean or anyone else. He gets it done, no problem. But why not use all the weapons he has around him? I’m one of those.”
When asked why he doesn`t incorporate Topuria`s style into his own fights, Silva`s response was direct: “Because I’m better than you. That’s why I haven’t done [the same]. … I did better than him.”
He reiterated, “I don’t want to talk badly about [Topuria]. I just think I fight much better than he does.” Silva also critiqued specific technical habits, noting, “every time Topuria drops his hand on the same side he slips his head toward. Same thing to the other side.”
Silva used Topuria’s March 2022 fight against veteran Jai Herbert as an example. Topuria took the fight on short notice and was briefly knocked down in the first round before rallying for a second-round knockout.
Silva understands the errors that put Topuria in danger in that fight and is confident Oliveira can capitalize on these same weaknesses with his help. He explained that Topuria’s two career knockdowns came from similar mistakes: “He threw a right overhand, then leaned back and threw a left hook… And both times he got knocked down in MMA… were like that.” Silva concluded, “That’s why I know I can mimic him, from watching his fights. It’s no secret, just studies. And he doesn’t like it, it’s all good.”
