Charles Oliveira is currently focusing on securing fights against the highest-profile opponents and does not consider Ilia Topuria to be among them.
In a conversation with ABC MMA, Oliveira discussed his potential next steps as he awaits his next fight booking. “Do Bronx” is coming off a `Fight of the Night` victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 309 and remains a top contender for the lightweight championship, currently held by Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira previously faced Makhachev at UFC 280, where Makhachev won by submission in the second round. Oliveira is eager for a rematch with the champion. Topuria, the current featherweight champion expected to vacate his title soon as he transitions to the lightweight division, has mentioned the possibility of fighting Oliveira to earn a chance to challenge Makhachev. However, Oliveira is not enthusiastic about this matchup.
“I believe there are many discussions happening,” Oliveira stated in Portuguese. “Many people are talking about different scenarios. However, my focus is on the title, and the current champion is Islam Makhachev. While Topuria is undoubtedly a formidable fighter and deserves respect,”
“At this moment, I don`t perceive a fight with him as a major step towards the title. If my goal is to regain the championship, my path leads through Makhachev.”
Oliveira also recently commented that he believes he could defeat the undefeated Topuria by knockout if they were to fight.
It remains unclear which of Oliveira’s recent statements provoked Topuria, but “El Matador” responded on social media with a strong message to Oliveira, telling him to “stay quiet.”
“Charles, it would be wise for you to be silent. You have accumulated 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 1 by decision. You are a contender, whereas I am the champion, the leading figure of the division. I am not requesting anything; I am in control here.”
Topuria aims to become a champion in two weight classes, building on his undefeated 8-0 record in the UFC, which includes recent knockout victories over featherweight legends Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski.
