Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria have been exchanging words through interviews and social media recently, but Oliveira has made it clear what he desires next.
The former UFC lightweight champion posted a video on his Instagram, appealing to UFC officials Dana White, Sean Shelby, and Hunter Campbell to arrange a rematch with Islam Makhachev.
“I want to fight on International Fight Week,” Oliveira stated, referencing UFC 317, a pay-per-view event scheduled for June 28 in Las Vegas. “Makhachev wants it too. Dana, Sean Shelby, Hunter, let’s make it happen. I really want this fight. I’m coming for this belt. I want to be champion again. I’ll rewrite this story. UFC, let’s make it happen. This is the fight everyone wants to see. I’m ready.”
Oliveira was defeated by submission to Makhachev in October 2022 for the vacant title. Since then, he has a record of 2 wins and 1 loss, with a close decision loss to Arman Tsarukyan between victories over Beneil Dariush and Michael Chandler. Makhachev has won four consecutive fights since defeating Oliveira, including wins over Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano.
“Makhachev is saying he wants this fight, and it will be a great war,” Oliveira commented. “[International] Fight Week, is that the fight you want? You’ll get it. Dana, UFC, Sean, Hunter, let’s make it happen. Call me.”
“Do Bronx” considered a rematch with Max Holloway for the BMF belt as an alternative if the Makhachev rematch in June didn`t happen, and didn`t seem interested in fighting Topuria. Topuria responded to Oliveira`s comment that it wouldn`t be “a big fight” by attacking the Brazilian on social media.
“UFC and MMA have many people who talk too much,” Oliveira said in the video. “I can talk about UFC history. I’m completing 15 years here. Record of bonuses, of submissions. A guy who breaks records? That’s me.”
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