UFC fans were finally granted their wishes this past Tuesday when Dana White took to Instagram live to make several huge announcements.
The biggest announcement made by the UFC boss was that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has officially vacated his title in pursuit of a welterweight title fight against Jack Della Maddalena.
And with that, Dana White announced that the vacant lightweight title will be contested by former champion, Charles Oliveira, and former featherweight king, Ilia Topuria and it will serve as the UFC 317 main event on International Fight Week.
Immediately after the shocking announcement, Topuria sent a message to Makhachev, claiming that the Russian ran away from him.
Oliveira shares his reaction to UFC 317 title fight against Ilia Topuria
‘El Matador’ and ‘Do Bronx’ have somewhat of an ongoing feud after the Brazilian initially rejected a potential fight against Topuria as he was pursuing a title rematch against Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira may feel fortunate to have been picked for the vacant title fight considering the fact that he’s 2-2 in his last four fights, with his last win having come against Michael Chandler at UFC 309.
Someone who did miss out on the title shot was Arman Tsarukyan, who was unfortunate to not be picked after beating Oliveira at UFC 300.
Just a few hours after White’s huge announcement, the Brazilian fan favorite shared his reaction to finding out he would be fighting for the undisputed title again.
“Everyone started yelling, kids screaming, all of that. Training had just ended, you know, I checked my phone and had tons of messages, I went straight to (my manager) right away, and that’s that,” Oliveira began telling MMAhoje.
“Let’s go, we’re ready. 46 days, 46 days to bring the belt to where it should have never left. Focus on what matters, be sharp and make it happen,” he continued.
Oliveira comments on his chances against Topuria
Despite likely wanting to avenge his previous loss against Makhachev, Oliveira has stated that at this point he doesn’t care who he is fighting, as long as he brings the belt back home.
“Honestly, I’m not really focused on what the guys themselves are doing. My last fights have all been with this team, obviously I have a wonderful team that are going to analyze Topuria in every way so we can see (how we can beat him).
“We are currently deliberating on what our game plan could be but our main concern is what I can bring… I know he’s a tough opponent but I know the firepower I have in my hands and I know my kickboxing style.
“I’m gonna go all in on this guy like I never have before, I have a promise to fulfill and I will go for this belt,” Oliveira stated.