Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira sent a message to the UFC brass amidst his recent barbs with Ilia Topuria.
Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria have traded slights in recent days ahead of Topuria’s anticipated lightweight fight announcement. Oliveira, who is on the verge of another potential lightweight title shot after defeating Michael Chandler, is also a potential fit for Topuria’s return opponent in the lightweight division.
Topuria will vacate the featherweight title for a full-time move to lightweight, and the belt will be fought for by Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes at UFC 314. As of this writing, Topuria’s next fight hasn’t been announced, despite Topuria teasing an announcement ‘you won’t believe’.
Oliveira and Topuria both make strong cases for the next lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev. A No. 1 contender fight between them also makes sense, amidst Arman Tsarukyan‘s delayed path back to another title opportunity.
Charles Oliveira calls his shot after recent barbs with Ilia Topuria
Despite just one appearance at lightweight in his UFC tenure, Topuria told Oliveira to ‘stay quiet’ as he proclaimed himself the uncrowned king of the division. It didn’t take long for Oliveira to respond, but it wasn’t the answer most probably expected.
During a recent post to his Instagram story, Oliveira sent a message to the UFC matchmakers.
“Hey everyone, good morning, afternoon, or evening! In the UFC and MMA, many guys are talking too much about history in the UFC. I can speak on this, I’ve been here for 15 years. Most bonuses, finishes, record breaker, that’s me! Got it?” Oliveira began.
“I want to fight on International Fight Week, [against] Makhachev too,” Oliveira continued. “Dana, Sean Shelby, Hunter, make it happen. I really want this fight. I’m after that belt, I want to be champ again. I’m ready to write history one more time. UFC, let’s make this happen! This is the fight everyone wants to see. I’m ready. Makhachev’s talking big about wanting this fight, so it’ll be a war for sure. Is this the fight you want? It’s the fight you’ll get…just give me a call.”
It seems like Oliveira isn’t primarily interested in facing Topuria and wants to run it back with Makhachev for another shot at the belt. Oliveira lost to Makhachev for the then-vacant title at UFC 280, after a weight-cutting controversy resulted in Oliveira being stripped of the title at UFC 274.
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Ilia Topuria reunited with a longtime adversary at UFC London
As of this writing, Topuria hasn’t responded to Oliveira’s video message, nor has Makhachev. The lightweight champ Makhachev is expected to return sometime this summer after finishing Renato Moicano in his most recent title defense at UFC 311.
Topuria resumed cornering duties at UFC London, cornering Guram Kutateladze in the event’s opening fight. Kutateladze lost to Kaue Fernandes by unanimous decision.
Ahead of the UFC London festivities, Topuria and Paddy Pimblett shared a surprising cordial moment at the ceremonial weigh-in. The two have gone back and forth for years, dating back to their fighter hotel altercation in 2022.
Ahead of Topuria’s anticipated return to the lightweight division, tensions are ramping up with some of the division’s top contenders. Oliveira and Topuria could potentially be on a collision course, and the UFC brass have some tough decisions to make when matchmaking the lightweights.
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