Ilia Topuria to Charles Oliveira: 'I Am the One in Charge'

Ilia Topuria is trying to assert himself among the lightweight elites.

Topuria won the featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 last year and defended it by knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308. “El Matador” then recently vacated his title, citing a lack of fresh contenders at 145 pounds — though an arduous weight cut may have had something to do with that move.

While Topuria has been plotting an immediate title shot at lightweight, the Georgian-Spaniard might have to prove himself against a legitimate contender at 155 pounds first. Former champ Charles Oliveira recently removed his name from the mix, saying a matchup with Topuria won’t be enticing enough until the former featherweight champ has fought a seasoned lightweight.

Responding to “do Bronx,” Topuria claims he isn’t asking for any favors. Topuria proclaimed himself the “father of the division” while granting Oliveira contender status based on his career losses.

“Charles, it's better if you stay quiet,” Topuria wrote. “You have 10 losses: [five] by knockout, [four] by submission, and [one] by decision. You are the contender, while I am the champion, the father of the entire division. I haven't come here to ask anything. Here, I am the one in charge.”

Charles, it's better if you stay quiet. You have 10 losses: 5 by knockout, 4 by submission, and 1 by decision. You are the contender, while I am the champion, the father of the entire division. I haven't come here to ask anything. Here, I am the one in charge.

— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) March 22, 2025

Oliveira saw an 11-fight winning streak end in a lightweight title bout against Islam Makhachev in 2022. The Brazilian has since sandwiched a split decision loss against Arman Tsarukyan between wins over Beneil Dariush and Michael Chandler.

Meanwhile, Topuria has finished 14 of his 16 career wins so far, six of which came in the UFC.