So, here’s a bold question: can Charles Oliveira regain supremacy at 155lbs? Owing to the Brazilian’s recent outing against Michael Chandler, the verdict seems to be favoring the Brazilian. However, there’s another puzzle that seems to interest fight fans. Can Oliveira stop the terror of Ilia Topuria if the latter decides to step up a division? Considering a potential matchup between the duo, ‘Team Khabib’ gave their two cents and it might surprise you with the head coach, Javier Mendez, leaning toward Topuria. Let’s see why!

The AKA head coach didn’t sugarcoat things when he spoke to Submission Radio. He said, “Charles is not an easy fight for anybody.” But then he added, “I slightly favor Ilia because of his power and his boxing precision.” Now, we all know Oliveira is a dangerous man, his skill set is insane, from submissions to flying knees, but Mendez thinks Topuria’s power and pinpoint striking are what could give him the edge.

“You can never, never count him [Oliveira] out,” Mendez added. And he’s right! The 35-year-old’s recent fight shows that he’s still got top-tier skills, even though his submission loss to Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 280 stung.

But here’s the thing—Ilia Topuria is on an unstoppable streak. Ranked #4 in the pound-for-pound rankings and boasting a flawless 16-0 record, the reigning featherweight champion is proving to be a force of nature in the UFC. This year alone, Topuria has made headlines with back-to-back electrifying performances. He stunned the MMA world by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 and followed it up with another statement victory, finishing Max Holloway at UFC 308. But why is the UFC featherweight champion eyeing a move to the lightweight division?

Ilia Topuria’s coach suggests weight cut at featherweight is unsustainable, eyes a fight against Dustin Poirier after moving up

But what if the Oliveira matchup doesn’t materialize? Topuria’s coach, Jorge Climent has already confirmed the move to lightweight is inevitable. “He hates that weight…it’s harder every time we do it.” At 27 years, Topuria’s build and physique has made making weight at featherweight increasingly unsustainable, prompting his decision to fight at a weight class different from the current.

Topuria’s combination of raw power and pinpoint precision makes him a unique challenge for anyone in the Octagon, even for someone as versatile and battle-tested as Charles Oliveira. While Oliveira’s well-rounded skill set and submission prowess are undeniable, many are starting to wonder if the Georgian phenom might just have the perfect tools to neutralize ‘Do Bronx’ and cement his dominance.

However, if Oliveira opts out of this matchup, Climent hinted at another blockbuster name, Dustin Poirier. “I think Dustin was talking about it…. It’s another big match for Ilia.” Poirier, with his crisp boxing and proven durability, could provide a striking war that fans dream of. But Climent remains confident that “Ilia can knock him down or finish him.”

If this dream Oliveira-Topuria clash were to happen, it wouldn’t just be about skills. It would represent a generational battle, Do Bronx, the seasoned former champion, facing off against Topuria, the ambitious young star hungry to make his mark. Can experience outlast youth? Or will the new guard solidify its position?

What do you think? Would Ilia’s power reign supreme, or does Charles have what it takes to turn back the clock? Who do you think wins in this battle of wills, experience, or raw power? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!