Charles Oliveira, confident in his experience and skill, laughs off Ilia Topuria‘s trash talk and vows to reclaim the UFC lightweight championship for his son, asserting that his faith and hunger drive him to victory.
Charles Oliveira wasn’t bothered by Ilia Topuria’s trash talk before UFC 317. In fact, he found it amusing. But don’t think that stops him from making bold predictions.
Oliveira has a shot at becoming a two-time UFC lightweight champ. He’ll face the undefeated star during UFC’s International Fight Week in Vegas this Saturday. He’s determined to be the first to stop the former featherweight titleholder in the cage.
“Everyone knows what’s gonna happen,” Oliveira mentioned at Wednesday’s UFC 317 media day. “It’s another dude that’s talking who’s gonna fold in front of me.”
Oliveira boasts multiple UFC records and believes his 15-year career gives him an edge. Topuria debuted in Spain when Oliveira had already fought 12 times in the octagon. Fast forward a decade, and the Brazilian has more post-fight bonuses than Topuria has total wins.
“It’s the experience, the growth, the evolution. I’ve improved,” Oliveira said. “I’m still hungry, still dreaming, and that’s only gotten stronger. People can keep talking. I’m not stopping.”
“Say what you want,” he added. “I’ve got the hunger and faith. If he thinks he’s got firepower, he hasn’t seen mine. If he thinks he’s got jiu-jitsu, he hasn’t seen mine. Things are gonna happen. I’m becoming a champion again.”
Oliveira’s wife, Vitoria Brum, shared on the UFC Countdown show that he promised to win the belt for his son, Dom. Dom was born after Oliveira lost the title to Islam Makhachev.
But Oliveira won’t feel extra pressure to keep that promise on Saturday. “There’s no pressure. When there’s a promise, there’s no pressure,” he said. “With faith, there’s no pressure on promises. No one has more faith than I do. The day is coming, and I’m going to be a champion again. That day is almost here.”