UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria stated in a recent interview that he is still upset about knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round of their UFC 317 main event last year.
Topuria is set to headline the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House against Justin Gaethje on June 14. The bout will mark ‘El Matador’s’ first defence of the lightweight strap.
Ilia Topuria showcased his devastating power against Charles Oliveira
The 29-year-old’s dominant display against Oliveira further cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers in the sport. However, Topuria made it clear both before and after the fight that his preferred opponent was Islam Makhachev rather than Oliveira. Ahead of the bout, the Georgian-Spaniard also spoke highly of the Brazilian, admitting that he admires him and feels sorry that he would have to knock him out.
Speaking to Daniel Cormier during the UFC Freedom 250 media duties, Topuria said (h/t Home of Fight on X):
“I get the call from the UFC, and they told me it’s gonna be Charles, so I was like, listen, I didn’t want you to fight me because I knew what would happen.
I was like, listen, I’m so sorry. I like the guy. How cool is Charles? He’s one of the great human beings that I ever met in the sport.”
Check out Ilia Topuria’s comments below:
After suffering the devastating knockout, Oliveira bounced back with a dominant win against Mateusz Gamrot and then claimed the BMF belt against Max Holloway earlier this year. Meanwhile, Topuria will look to extend his knockout streak against Gaethje on the biggest stage possible at the White House this weekend.
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