Charles Oliveira has moved past the need to seek revenge for his defeat against Islam Makhachev. The former UFC lightweight champion previously stated that the version of himself who lost to Makhachev in 2022 wasn’t his true self, but after Makhachev stepped up to a higher weight class, Oliveira shifted his focus.
Heading into UFC 280, Oliveira was considered the unofficial lightweight champion after being stripped of his title for missing weight by a fraction. Although he defeated Justin Gaethje, he never regained the belt and was clearly beaten by Makhachev in their fight for the vacant title. Oliveira no longer obsessively thinks about the opponent who submitted him and has found closure.
“I don’t have any issues with him and am not looking to fight him again,” Oliveira said through an interpreter before UFC 317, where he will challenge Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title. “I want the belt, but he doesn’t hold it anymore.”
Makhachev gave up the lightweight championship to chase a welterweight title, prompting the UFC to book Oliveira against former featherweight champion Topuria for the UFC 317 main event. For Oliveira, this title shot represents the culmination of a three-year effort to reclaim his spot at the top.
“That’s great. It’s all meant to be and I’m going to achieve it,” Oliveira stated.
Topuria poses a very different challenge compared to the grappler Makhachev. Known as “El Matador,” Topuria ranks among UFC’s top boxers, having scored knockouts over featherweight legends Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. This matchup promises an exciting clash between a knockout artist and a submission specialist.
“His boxing is probably what I need to watch the most,” Oliveira admitted. “We’re both finishers who want an exciting fight and to keep moving forward.”
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans as it signals the rise of a compelling new lightweight rivalry and highlights Oliveira’s evolution as a fighter, focusing on future opportunities rather than past setbacks. The Oliveira vs. Topuria bout could define the next era of the lightweight division, bringing thrilling action and fresh storylines to the sport.
