Ilia Topuria vs Islam Makhachev is definitely the talk of the town in the MMA community right now. This lightweight ‘superfight’ is one of the most anticipated bouts the UFC can put together, but foreseeing it happening this year is still questionable. Although the fans primarily want to see the Georgian Spaniard back in action against the indomitable Dagestani, a matchup versus Charles Oliveira is also considered to have similar potential.

Recently, Charles Oliveira showed very little interest in welcoming Ilia Topuria back into the lightweight division. ‘Do Bronx’ made it very clear that he only wanted to settle his unfinished business against the champion next, and then he would think about the future. 

Viewers are happily willing to settle for a fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira if the speculated superfight does not happen. Welterweight contender Ian Garry, who recently trained with Team Topuria, believes this matchup could be the biggest fight for the promotion this year.

Garry, in a brief interaction with Marca, said, “He is a phenom. He has been beating the greatest in his division. To back-to-back knocking them out and showing the world how amazing he is. I had the pleasure to go to his home today and train with him. He is a beautiful person inside and out and it’s a pleasure to call him a fan and I look forward to see him in future. I’ll tell you! The fight between Charles and Ilia will be the biggest fight the UFC could ever make. It’s a big fight.”

Ian Garry and Charles Oliveira share a strong brotherly bond. They have consistently supported each other before important fights and have been in their corners during the bouts. Garry also referred to The Brazilian as ‘Professor’ after falling short against Shavkat Rakhmonov. But recently, ‘The Future’ has been facing a little pushback from the fans after he shared a photo training with team Topuria, mainly being questioned about his allegiance to ‘Do Bronx’. Garry’s picture was shared by popular X account Dovy MMA, under which a user replied, “Can only mean one thing, right Ian is cheating Do Bronx.”

It’s important to acknowledge that Ilia Topuria fought Max Holloway last October, and he hasn’t had an opponent since announcing his move to 155 lbs. He is eager for a fight and has expressed interest in facing Charles Oliveira. However, ‘Do Bronx’ expressed his issue with Topuria moving up and jumping in line for a crack at the lightweight title. And ‘La Leyenda’, true to form, didn’t take Oliveira’s jibe at him too lightly.

Ilia Topuria served Charles Oliveira a reminder of his past failures

The soon-to-be featherweight champion might not be a Conor McGregor-level verbal assaulter, but he never suppressed his feelings and asserts himself with a strong conviction. So, it’s no surprise when he refused to hold back against Charles Oliveira after the latter called him “disrespectful” who, in the Brazilian’s eyes, is getting special treatment.

‘Do Bronx’ began his career in the featherweight division, where he accumulated the majority of his losses. Overall, he has experienced 10 career losses, which occurred against strong opponents in his previous division and elite competition in the lightweight division.

‘La Leyenda,’ who is still 16-0 undefeated, didn’t hesitate to point these stats out at a press conference at WOW 17 Madrid. In a video shared by Championship Rounds on X, Ilia said, “I haven’t dissed [Charles], I’ve told the truth. He has 10 losses. 5 by knockout, 4 by submissions, 1 by decision. He says lightweight is the toughest division there is. When he was at 145, even Cub Swanson beat him up. That’s where the conversation ends. Something he could’ve achieved at 145 pounds division, he did at 155 where he became the champion. So, why is the division tougher where I come from? I don’t find any logic in it.”

What do you think about Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira fight? Is this as good as the Islam Makhachev super-fight? Please comment your thoughts below.