Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topria exchanged interviews and social media posts over the weekend, with “Do Bronx” revealing what he wants next.
The former UFC lightweight champion called UFC officials Dana White, Sean Shelby and Hunter Campbell and posted a video on their Instagram page urging them to complete the rematch deal with Islamic Makhachev.
“I want to fight during International Combat Week,” Oliveira said, referring to UFC 317, a pay-per-view show scheduled for June 28th in Las Vegas. “Makhachev wants that too. Dana, Shawn Shelby, Hunter, let’s make it happen. I really want this fight. I want to come after this belt. I want to be champion again, you write this story again.
Oliveira subjugated to Makhachev in October 2022, collided for an empty belt, and has his cage at 2-1. Makhachev suffocated Oliveira for the fourth straight win, beating Alexander Volkanovsky (twice), Dustin Poirier and late-stage replacement Renato Moicano.
“Makhachev says he wants this fight, but it will definitely be a big war,” Oliveira said. “(International) Fight, is that the fight you want? That’s the fight you get. Dana, UFC, Sean, Hunter, let’s make it happen. Call me.”
“Do Bronx” didn’t sound interested in welcoming Topuria into the division, considering a rematch with BMF belt Max Holloway as a backup plan, just in case they didn’t win Makhachev Rematch in June. Topuria responded to Oliveira, saying it wasn’t a “big battle” attacking Brazilians on social media.
Charles, it’s better to spend some quiet time. There is a loss of 10: 5 is a knockout, 4 is a submission, 1 is by decision. You are a competitor, but I am the champion and the father of the entire division. I haven’t come here to ask anything. Here, I am the person in charge.
-Ilia Topuria (@topuriailia) March 22, 2025
“There are so many people in the UFC and MMA who talk too much,” Oliveira said in the video. “You can talk about UFC history. I’ll complete 15 years here. Bonus, a record of submissions. A man who breaks the record? That’s me.”