The last few weeks around Ilia Topuria (16-0) have been hectic, but the focus has shifted to the possible opponent of the current UFC featherweight champion. From Islam Makhachev (27-1) to Charles Oliveira (35-10), and although both could be ‘El Matador’s’ next opponent, the veteran Brazilian fighter is increasingly being talked about.
“My next fight will be for the belt,”the Spanish-Georgian fighter confirmed at the WOW 17 press conference. His words evidenced something that was assumed: he vacated the featherweight title because the UFC offered him to be a double champion, now with the lightweight and 155 pounds. If he had not been confirmed for this ‘tittle shot’, he would not have vacated his crown for Volkanovski and Diego Lopes to fight for it (at UFC 314, this coming month).
The historic selfie in the lead-up to UFC 312
Words for Charles Oliveira
However, Ilia dropped more bombshells at the press conference as he also spoke about Oliveira. The relationship between the two has become strained but never beyond the limits of personal respect. ‘Do Bronx’, however, said this week that he did not understand Topuria’s “disrespect”. And the Spaniard spoke about it.
“I have not disrespected him: I have told the truth. He has 10 defeats, I have not said anything else. He has 10 defeats: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission and one by decision. When he was fighting at 145 pounds, even Cub Swanson beat him up. That’s where the conversation has to end. Something he couldn’t achieve at 145 pounds, he achieved at 155, where he became world champion. So why is that division more difficult than the one I’m coming from? I don’t find any logic in it, and that’s why I also said that it seems that he has not even read a newspaper. So if that’s disrespectful… I don’t know since when telling the truth is disrespectful,” explained Topuria to the press.
I have not disrespected him: I have told the truth. He has 10 defeats, I have not said anything else
When asked by MARCA about the situation with Oliveira and the mutual respect that, deep down, exists between them, ‘The Legend’ confirmed: “I never mix personal with professional, right? I have no problem with Charles, surely once our careers are over we can be together, have a good time, have dinner, lunch… whatever it takes, but this is a sport. Inside an octagon, even when I’m with my brother… inside a tatami we are both competitive, neither of us gives in regardless of whether we are brothers. Imagine if I don’t take a step back with my brother on a tatami because we are competitive, if with Charles I would do something like that…”.
I have no problem with Charles, surely once our careers are over we can be together, have a good time, have dinner, lunch…
In WOW 17, Diego Lima, Oliveira’s coach, was in attendance representing Chute Boxe and accompanying Gustavo Gabriel (17-2), who fought and won. He also had good words for Ilia Topuria.
This news was originally published on this post .
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