Charles Oliveira only wants the biggest opponents right now, and he doesn’t include Ilia Topuria on that list.
In an interview with ABC MMA, Oliveira addressed what could be next for him as he awaits his next booking. “Do Bronx” is coming off of a Fight of the Night-winning decision over Michael Chandler at UFC 309 and remains one of the top contenders for the 155-pound title, currently held by Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira and Makhachev previously fought at UFC 280, where Makhachev won via second-round submission, and Oliveira is eager to run it back with the champ. Topuria—the current featherweight champion set to relinquish his belt soon as he moves up to lightweight—has spoken about possibly fighting Oliveira to earn a shot at Makhachev, but Oliveira isn’t keen on the idea.
“I think there are a lot of things,” Oliveira said in Portuguese (translation via ABC MMA). “A lot of people are saying a lot of things. But I’m looking for a title, and today’s champion is Islam Makhachev. So, Topuria is a very tough guy. He deserves all the respect in the world.
“But right now, I don’t see it as a big fight. And if I’m looking for a title, well, I have to fight Makhachev in order to win and become champion again.”
Oliveira also recently said that if he were to fight the undefeated Topuria, he believes he can defeat Topuria by knockout.
It’s not clear which of Oliveira’s recent statements irked Topuria, but “El Matador” took to social media to respond to Oliveira anyway and he didn’t hold back, telling Oliveira to “stay quiet.”
Charles, it’s better if you stay quiet. You have 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 1 by decision. You are the contender, while I am the champion, the father of the entire division. I haven’t come here to ask anything. Here, I am the one in charge.
Topuria aims to become a two-division champion following an 8-0 run to start his UFC career, which includes back-to-back knockouts of featherweight legends Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski in his most recent outings.
from MMA Fighting - All Posts https://ift.tt/Y67sQ9I
0 Comments
Dear valued readers,
I am writing to you today as LaPhezz, an international man of mystery with a passion for technology and a fascination for analytics. I have traveled the world and lived in many different places, and I have experienced a wide range of cultures and perspectives.
Despite my travels and encounters with countless people from all walks of life, I remain something of an enigma. My true identity is known to only a select few, and even those who know me well are often left guessing at my motivations and intentions.
As a tech enthusiast, I am always looking for new ways to leverage data and analytics to solve complex problems and make the world a better place. I believe that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change, and I am constantly exploring the latest trends and innovations in the field.
I am grateful to have such a diverse and engaged readership, and I am always eager to hear your feedback and insights. Whether you have questions about my work, suggestions for new topics to explore, or simply want to connect with a fellow tech enthusiast, I am always here to listen and engage.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. Together, we can use technology and analytics to create a brighter, more connected world.
Best regards,
LaPhezz