UFC 317, set to take place during International Fight Week, is just around the corner. Fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. In the lead-up to the bout, Topuria has made a bold statement, asserting that he can beat Oliveira in every area—striking, grappling, and anywhere the fight goes.
Recently, the Brazilian fighter and ‘El Matador’ have been involved in a social media feud that’s grabbing fans’ attention. Amid the back-and-forth, Topuria dismissed Oliveira’s claim that he possesses more punching power than the Spanish fighter. In an interview with Kevin Iole, the former featherweight champion responded:
“That’s very, very wishful thinking — that he thinks he has a more powerful punch than me. I challenge him: we can do a separate boxing match, grappling match, wrestling match — everywhere, I beat him however I want.”
Ilia Topuria calls Charles Oliveira’s ‘most powerful punch’ claim pure wishful thinking 💥
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 21, 2025
"That's very, very wishful thinking — that he thinks he has a more powerful punch than me. I challenge him: we can do a separate boxing match, grappling match, wrestling match —… pic.twitter.com/lS1NgxThNU
‘El Matador’ also stated that he can beat Oliveira in every aspect of the fight, adding that this is how confident he feels. Meanwhile, Oliveira—who typically avoids social media drama—has surprised fans by firing back with some heated responses online.
Charles Oliveira Hits Back, Says Everyone Knows He’s The Real Champion
As UFC 317 nears, tensions between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria continue to rise. Once seen in a friendly photo together, the tone has shifted, with Topuria ramping up the trash talk. He’s predicted a knockout and even mocked Oliveira, saying, “Do Bronx should bring a pillow” because he plans to put him to sleep. In response, Oliveira, usually quiet in these exchanges, fired back, saying:
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“He has definitely not treated me with the same respect. I don’t know why. He’s been saying a lot, but the fact of the matter is we’re going to find out on June 28. Everyone knows who the real champion is.”
Topuria, who has knocked out legends like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, remains undefeated in the UFC. This time, he puts that perfect record on the line against a seasoned veteran. Can he maintain his unbeaten streak, or will Oliveira hand him his first defeat? Only time will tell.
