The tension between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria escalated on Thursday, with Oliveira hitting back at the Spaniard’s public accusations thrown the former’s way.
Topuria has accused Oliverira and fellow UFC star Islam Makhachev of ducking a potential lightweight title fight against him.
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The Spaniard recently vacated his featherweight belt to move up to lightweight and openly claimed that Oliveira and current champion Makhachev were “scared” to face him.
Oliveira, fresh off a five-round victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 309, dismissed Topuria’s comments as disrespectful and unwarranted while appearing on Wednesday’s episode of “The Ariel Helwani Show.”
Charles Oliveira reacts following his TKO victory against Beneil Dariush during UFC 289 at Rogers Arena.Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
“It’s been 15 years in the UFC, respecting everybody,” Oliveira said. “My story is written there. Everybody can see it.
“(Topuria) is saying a lot of crap. I really respect his fights, the way he’s come up and everything, but he’s being very disrespectful now and is saying a lot of things that he shouldn’t.”
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Topuria, undefeated at 16-0 and with an impeccable early-finish rate—including six (T)KOs and eight submission finishes—has sought an immediate lightweight title shot after relinquishing his featherweight crown.
The former featherweight champion, after he vacated his title, has insisted the UFC promised him that his first bout at 155 pounds would be for the championship.
“All my training is focused on Islam and Charles because I don’t see any other opponents,” Topuria said on Thursday. “Neither of them seems to dare.
”These are the symptoms of fear—we all know that, but it’s normal; I’d be scared, too.”
While Topuria continues to angle for a matchup with Makhachev, Oliveira remains indifferent about whom he faces next.
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“Bottom line is—Makhachev is the guy that has to be beat,” Oliveira said. “If Topuria’s the next one to fight him, then so be it.
“If he’s given the chance and not me, I’m going to keep fighting, keep preparing, and keep waiting for my turn.“
Related: UFC Star Ilia Topuria Reveals ‘Promise’ Led Him to Vacate Featherweight Title
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