Charles Oliveira solely desires the largest opponents proper now, and he doesn’t embrace Ilia Topuria on that checklist.
In an interview with ABC MMA, Oliveira addressed what might be subsequent for him as he awaits his subsequent reserving. “Do Bronx” is coming off of a Struggle of the Evening-winning choice over Michael Chandler at UFC 309 and stays one of many prime contenders for the 155-pound title, presently held by Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira and Makhachev beforehand fought at UFC 280, the place Makhachev gained through second-round submission, and Oliveira is raring to run it again with the champ. Topuria—the present featherweight champion set to relinquish his belt quickly as he strikes as much as light-weight—has spoken about probably combating Oliveira to earn a shot at Makhachev, however Oliveira isn’t eager on the concept.
“I believe there are a number of issues,” Oliveira stated in Portuguese (translation through ABC MMA). “Lots of people are saying a number of issues. However I’m searching for a title, and at present’s champion is Islam Makhachev. So, Topuria is a really powerful man. He deserves all of the respect on the earth.
“However proper now, I don’t see it as a giant battle. And if I’m searching for a title, properly, I’ve to battle Makhachev with a view to win and develop into champion once more.”
Oliveira additionally lately stated that if he have been to battle the undefeated Topuria, he believes he can defeat Topuria by knockout.
It’s not clear which of Oliveira’s latest statements irked Topuria, however “El Matador” took to social media to answer Oliveira anyway and he didn’t maintain again, telling Oliveira to “keep quiet.”
Charles, it’s higher if you happen to keep quiet. You have 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 the whole division. I haven’t come right here to ask something. Right here, I’m the one in cost.
Topuria goals to develop into a two-division champion following an 8-0 run to begin his UFC profession, which incorporates back-to-back knockouts of featherweight legends Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in his most up-to-date outings.
