Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria went forwards and backwards by means of interviews and social media posts over the weekend, and “do Bronx” has made it clear what he desires subsequent.
The previous UFC light-weight champion posted a video on his Instagram web page urging UFC officers Dana White, Sean Shelby and Hunter Campbell to offer him a name and get the deal accomplished for a rematch with Islam Makhachev.
“I wanna struggle on Worldwide Combat Week,” Oliveira mentioned, referring to UFC 317, a pay-per-view present deliberate for June 28 in Las Vegas. “Makhachev desires it too. Dana, Sean Shelby, Hunter, let’s make it occur. I really need this struggle. I’m coming after this belt. I need to develop into champion once more, ? I’ll write this story yet another time. UFC, let’s make it occur. That is the struggle all people desires to see. I’m prepared.”
Oliveira misplaced by submission to Makhachev in October 2022, once they collided for the vacant belt, and has since 2-1 int he cage with an in depth choice to Arman Tsarukyan sandwiched between bonus-winning victories over Beneil Dariush and Micheal Chandler. Makhachev gained 4 in a row since choking out Oliveira, defeating Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier and late-notice alternative Renato Moicano.
“Makhachev is saying he desires this struggle, and it’ll undoubtedly be a terrific struggle,” Oliveira mentioned. “[International] Combat Week, is that the struggle you need? That’s the struggle you’ll get. Dana, UFC, Sean, Hunter, let’s make it occur. Name me.”
“Do Bronx” contemplated a rematch with Max Holloway for the BMF belt as a backup plan in case he didn’t get the Makhachev rematch in June, and didn’t sound enthusiastic about welcoming Topuria to the division. Topuria reacted to Oliveira saying it wouldn’t be “a giant struggle,” attacking the Brazilian on social media.
Charles, it is higher in case you keep quiet. You’ve got 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 1 by choice. You’re the contender, whereas I’m the champion, the daddy of all the division. I have never come right here to ask something. Right here, I’m the one in cost.
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 22, 2025
“UFC and MMA have plenty of guys that speak an excessive amount of.” Oliveira mentioned on the video. “I can discuss UFC historical past. I’ll full 15 years right here. Document of bonuses, of submissions. A man that breaks data? That’s me.”
