Ilia Topuria has been warned by rising UFC star Mauricio Ruffy as he seeks revenge for Charles Oliveira.
This past Saturday, Ilia Topuria became the new UFC lightweight champion when he separated Charles Oliveira from consciousness in the first round of the UFC 317 main event.
With his win, ‘El Matador’ continued his ascent to becoming the biggest star in the sport, and he successfully dethroned Islam Makhachev as the pound-for-pound number one.
Now reigning over the 155lb division, there are many options for the Spanish 28-year-old with Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett all waiting in the wings for a potential title fight.
Mauricio Ruffy vows to avenge Charles Oliveira
However, it is a currently unranked rising star who has vowed to avenge Charles Oliveira‘s loss by putting an end to Topuria and his perfect 17-0 record.
Earlier this year at UFC 313, Mauricio Ruffy scored the biggest win of his career thus far when he knocked out Bobby Green with a Knockout of the Year contender.
And following his win, the Fighting Nerd was immediately highlighted as a guaranteed future star in the sport, and UFC commentator Jon Anik claimed he will likely pick up UFC gold in the near future.
The Brazilian recently teased that he has some ‘crazy’ fight news on the horizon and in a new statement, he has vowed to get revenge for his compatriot by beating ‘El Matador’.
“Brazil has given me a mission. Charles’ fans have given me a mission. And as a Charles fan myself – Topuria can’t wait. One or two fights (and I’ll be fighting for the title), as I’ve said before.
“But whoever holds the belt becomes my target, so Topuria, I’ve already written it down for you there. Enjoy your time, celebrate your moment. After one or two fights, we’ll meet in the Octagon,” Ruffy said.
Topuria vs Ruffy could be one of the most exciting fights in recent years
‘One Shot’ Ruffy still has some ways to go before he is considered for a UFC lightweight title shot, especially with the top of the line already being clogged up with several contenders.
Despite that, the Brazilian has previously teased a potential fight against longtime contender Dan Hooker, and with a win over ‘Hangman’, Ruffy would undoubtedly put himself into the title conversation