Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria are engaged in a verbal back-and-forth as they both aim for a shot at the lightweight championship.
Topuria, having relinquished his UFC featherweight title to move to the lightweight division, is seeking an immediate title fight against current champion Islam Makhachev. Oliveira, with a recent victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 309, is also strongly contending for a title opportunity.
Topuria dismissed Oliveira`s aspirations by criticizing his track record.
Oliveira responded to Topuria`s comments, stating, “I have spent 15 years in the UFC, always showing respect. My history speaks for itself, it`s all there for everyone to see. He is coming from the featherweight division as a champion and is trying to make a statement now.”
Oliveira continued, “But I possess knockout power, and my focus is solely on winning the championship belt. It`s not about who I have to face to get there, but about claiming the title. He is simply trying to provoke a fight. He is talking a lot of nonsense. I respect his fighting abilities and his rise, but he is being very disrespectful with his current statements.”
Regarding the possibility of the UFC arranging a fight between Makhachev and Topuria, Oliveira commented on his own position, “Ultimately, Makhachev is the champion and the one to beat. If Topuria is chosen to fight him next, then that`s the decision. I am an employee here. If he gets the opportunity and I don`t, I will continue to train, prepare, and wait for my chance. That`s how it is. I don`t dwell on it. I will fight whoever the UFC puts in front of me.”
