Ilia Topuria is already preparing for a fight in the lightweight division. With his decision to switch divisions coming as a surprise for the fight fans, Topuria has been looking utterly confident. Speaking about his lightweight future, a host of possibilities has been floating around. While the biggest of them was a date with Islam Makhachev, more opponents were teased. Initially, Topuria’s team was reluctant to sign any other contract other than a championship bout.
But in a recent statement, it looked like the Spaniard would be okay with a number one contender fight too. In a recent interaction, Topuria laud his future route map in the UFC while taking a dig at two of his biggest opponents in the lightweight division.
“All my training is focused on Islam or Charles, because I don’t see any other opponents… Neither of them seems to dare [to fight me]… These are the symptoms of fear, we all know that, but it’s normal. I’d be scared too,” Topuria stated via ‘KOlmeneroMMA’.
Ilia Topuria says he's training to fight either Islam Makhachev or Charles Oliveira next, but they're both scared 😬
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 27, 2025
"All my training is focused on Islam or Charles, because I don't see any other opponents… Neither of them seems to dare [to fight me]…
These are the symptoms… pic.twitter.com/Fmp0w68id5
Now, that is quite a statement from the former UFC featherweight champion. However, quite contrary to what Topuria promised, Charles Oliveira does not seem to be fearing ‘El Matador.’
Charles Oliveira Promises To Knockout Ilia Topuria
There is a pretty high chance that Ilia Topuria might cross paths with Charles Oliveira. While many have cited that it would be a cakewalk for the Spaniard, Oliveira himself begs to differ. Extending his respect for Topuria, Oliveira also pointed out that the lightweight division is the most difficult division in the entire UFC. Then, he went on to make a bold claim.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
“Whoever I get told to fight, I’m going to fight. I have nothing but respect for Ilia Topuria, but this is lightweight. It’s the most difficult division you have ever seen and I have power in my hands. I believe in my Jiu-Jitsu, but I believe that I could knock Ilia Topuria out,” Oliveira stated.
Charles Oliveira is open welcoming Ilia Topuria to lightweight, despite Chael Sonnen claiming otherwise. pic.twitter.com/1CQUOsjW5S
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 18, 2025
Thus, the battle line seems to be drawn by both the fighters. Now, it remains to be seen how things pan out in the near future.
Also Read: Charles Oliveira Drops A Bold Prediction About Conor McGregor’s UFC Future
