At last, UFC president Dana White has pulled back the curtain on the main event for International Fight Week—and it’s a big one. While fans already knew Ilia Topuria would be featuring in the event. However, he won’t be facing the opponent he had been eyeing for quite some time now, Islam Makhachev. The Dagestani champion announced that he will be moving up to the welterweight division after vacating his lightweight title. That bombshell clears the way for Charles Oliveira’s long-awaited return to the title picture. After a string of setbacks, his shot at gold is finally within reach again.
So, who really holds the advantage in the clash? Well, Team Khabib’s longtime manager, Ali Abdelaziz, feels it is the former featherweight champion. Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira has all the makings of an all-out war. These two aren’t just elite strikers—they’re finishers who bring danger wherever the fight goes. The Georgian-Spaniard fighter comes in with a strong Greco-Roman wrestling foundation, combining brute strength with technical precision. On the other side, you’ve got the Brazilian maestro, Charles Oliveira—the UFC’s all-time submission king. With their well-rounded arsenals and fearless styles, this matchup screams chaos.
However, for Abdelaziz, more than the skill set, it’s the recent run of the Brazilian that is a cause of concern. MMA Uncensored took to their X account to share the conversation the manager had on the ESPN MMA Show. During the conversation, Abdelaziz didn’t quite like the idea of Oliveira getting a nod ahead for a title shot. He said, “Charles Oliveira is 2-2 in his last 4 fights. Justin Gaethje is 3-1 in his last 4 fights. Gaethje gave up his title shot, stepped in during International Fight Week against Max Holloway, and KO’d Dustin Poirier. Poirier beat No.12 to get a title shot. During Fight Week, Hooker got injured, and we fought Fiziev for the second time. I think Arman is more deserving than Oliveira. I don’t think Oliveira is the toughest fight for him. I think he walks through Oliveira.”
Ali Abdelaziz says Charles Oliveira is not deserving of the title fight
“Charles Oliveira is 2-2 in his last 4”
“I don’t think Oliveira is the toughest fight for him. I think he walks through Oliveira.”#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/WcfAoofcWc
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) May 17, 2025
Well, these are some stern words from Team Khabib. However, the Brazilian is all set for the challenge ahead of him. ‘Do Bronx’ is without a doubt one of the biggest names in the lightweight division. He has faced some of the elite competitors in the division and proved to the world that he is here to stay. His next opponent is a guy who has already mocked him for the losses he has faced in the UFC. But the former champion is not fazed by all such claims. Rather, he is focusing on getting the belt back for his fans.
Charles Oliveira has only one goal for his fight with Ilia Topuria next
For the 28-year-old Ilia Topuria, the UFC 317 during International Fight Week in late June provides the chance of a lifetime. A golden opportunity to seize the 155-pound crown and etch his name in history as a two-division champion. But standing in his way is the 35-year-old warrior known as ‘Do Bronx. ‘ He is determined to reclaim the lightweight title he once held and prove he’s still a force to be reckoned with in one of the UFC’s most stacked divisions. Oliveira enters this showdown with serious momentum, coming off a gutsy victory over Michael Chandler last November at the UFC’s iconic Madison Square Garden event.
However, he knows that his next opponent is not only young but also a knockout specialist. Going up against a younger, hungry contender like Ilia Topuria, Oliveira made it crystal clear where his head is at. In a recent interview with MMA Today, he said, “Honestly, if you say you never get butterflies, you’re lying. It’s a game—you’ve got to be ready for it. We know our weight. It’s not just Brazilians, but thousands of fans worldwide. I’m so grateful. I’m sure the arena in Vegas will be packed with people cheering for me on the 28th. I’ll see you all—my family—that’s what I want. Let’s bring that massive support, have a huge celebration, and leave with the belt around our waists.”
Can Charles Oliveira hand Ilia Topuria his first loss and become the lightweight champion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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