Before the highly anticipated booking against Charles Oliveira was official, Ilia Topuria openly discussed what he sees as a crucial difference between himself and the former lightweight champion.
The fight announcement came this past Tuesday when UFC President Dana White made a significant reveal: Islam Makhachev has vacated the lightweight belt. His focus is now on pursuing a welterweight championship bout against Jack Della Maddalena.
Following this development, White confirmed that Ilia Topuria will step in to face Charles Oliveira for the now-vacant lightweight title. This championship contest is set to headline UFC 317, concluding International Fight Week.
Soon after the news broke, Topuria publicly responded, suggesting that Makhachev had “run away” from a potential blockbuster fight against him.
Topuria Had Previously Questioned Charles Oliveira`s Record
Topuria and Oliveira have engaged in verbal sparring online for several months, partly fueled by Makhachev`s clear reluctance to fight `El Matador`.
Topuria didn`t hold back in criticizing `Do Bronx`, specifically referencing his career losses, including defeats to fighters like Cub Swanson.
As discussions about a potential clash between `El Matador` and Oliveira intensified, Topuria took the opportunity to explain what he views as the vast disparity in their mental makeups.
“Charles Oliveira – this relates to what I`ve said before. When you have 10 losses on your record, that`s not a small number. Stepping into a fight against someone with 10 defeats results in a completely different level of confidence,” Topuria stated during an appearance on Joe Rogan`s podcast.
“It contrasts entirely with facing an undefeated fighter. An undefeated opponent is inherently dangerous… They`ve never experienced losing, which fosters a unique mentality. You understand you`d likely need to incapacitate them to make them yield.”
Topuria further elaborated, “Conversely, with Charles, if he encounters significant difficulty, he might look to go to the ground and perhaps wait for the referee to halt the match.”
Joe Rogan Cautioned Topuria About Oliveira`s Capabilities
Despite Topuria`s expressed confidence, rooted in his undefeated status compared to Oliveira`s history of losses, Joe Rogan offered a word of caution, reminding him of the potential dangers posed by the Brazilian striker.
While Charles Oliveira has indeed accumulated 10 losses over his career, his journey back to championship contention is widely considered one of the most inspiring narratives in the sport, having overcome adversity after nearly being released by the UFC.
Furthermore, securing a victory over Topuria at UFC 317 would be historic. It would make the 36-year-old Oliveira the first fighter to ever win the UFC lightweight title on two separate occasions.
Gareth Tenby 
Duncan Priestley