Ilia Topuria Challenges Charles Oliveira: A Fiery UFC Blockbuster About to Explode!

Ilia Topuria targets Charles Oliveira for a lightweight debut that could shake the UFC to its core—Can the featherweight king reign supreme at 155 pounds?

From Featherweight King to Lightweight Challenger

Ilia Topuria, UFC’s reigning featherweight champion, has already conquered the 145-pound division by defeating two iconic legends. Now, he’s setting his sights higher—literally. Speaking on the Spanish show El Partidazo de COPE, Topuria revealed plans to move up to lightweight, signaling a potential blockbuster showdown with some of the sport’s top contenders.

Calling Out Charles Oliveira

Topuria isn’t waiting around for a title shot. He has already named former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira as his ideal first opponent. “I would like to fight with the No. 1 contender that division has right now. That’s Charles Oliveira,” Topuria boldly declared. With Islam Makhachev booked for UFC 311, Topuria aims to challenge Oliveira to make his mark in the lightweight division and set the stage for a future title fight.

Breaking Free from the Weight-Cut Grind

After dominating featherweight for years, Topuria says the brutal weight cut to 145 pounds has taken its toll. “Maybe it’s time for a change,” he confessed. He emphasized the desire to enjoy his career more without enduring the physical strain of making featherweight. “Four years pass, your body grows, and it costs more and more to cut weight,” he explained, hinting at the natural evolution of his career toward the 155-pound division.

A Featherweight Return Isn’t Off the Table

Although he’s eager to test himself at lightweight, Topuria hasn’t completely closed the door on his featherweight reign. A tantalizing matchup against Movsar Evloev, fresh off a decision win over Aljamain Sterling, remains a possibility. However, Topuria’s focus seems firmly set on the challenges—and rewards—of competing at 155 pounds.

Proven Success at Lightweight

This isn’t Topuria’s first foray into the lightweight division. In 2022, he delivered a spectacular knockout win over Jai Herbert, showcasing his ability to compete at a higher weight class. “The weight cuts don’t affect you, and it gives you the opportunity to stay a little more active,” Topuria said, reflecting on the freedom and comfort he felt fighting at 155 pounds.

Topuria’s Bold Vision for the Future

With his elite skills and fearless ambition, Ilia Topuria is ready to make waves in the lightweight division. His callout of Charles Oliveira is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling new chapter in his UFC career. Fans can expect fireworks as Topuria aims to climb the ladder and potentially become a two-division champion.

A Thrilling Fight World Awaits: Will Topuria Dominate Lightweight?

As Topuria transitions to lightweight, fans are left wondering: Can he replicate his featherweight dominance in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions? With potential battles against Charles Oliveira and even Islam Makhachev, the stage is set for an electrifying journey. Ilia Topuria’s ambition to conquer the lightweight division marks him as a fighter with his eyes on history. If he dethrones Charles Oliveira, it could ignite a meteoric rise to superstardom. Fans and critics alike are eager to witness whether Topuria can cement himself as a two-division UFC legend.