UFC fans finally received their wishes last Tuesday, when Dana White went to Instagram to make various huge announcements.
The biggest announcement of the UFC boss was that lightweight Islam Makhachev officially left its title in the pursuit of a welterweight title fight against Jack della Maddalena.
And with that, Dana White announced that the empty lightweight title will be disputed by former champion, Charles Oliveira and former Vederweight King, Ilia Topuria and it will serve as the UFC 317 Main Event on International Fight Week.
Immediately after the shocking announcement, Topuria sent a message to Makhachev and claimed that the Russian road was running away from him.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC
Oliveira shares his reaction to UFC 317 Title fight against Ilia Topuria
'El Matador' and 'Do Bronx' have somewhat continuously feud after the Brazilian initially rejected a potential fight against Topuria when he ran a title rematch against Islam Makhachev.
Oliveira may feel happy to have been chosen for the vacant title fight, given that he is 2-2 in his last four fights, with his last victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 309.
Someone who missed the title shot was Arman Tsarukyan, who was a pity not to be chosen after beating Oliveira on UFC 300.
Only a few hours after the enormous announcement of White, the favorite of the Brazilian fan shared his response to figuring out that he would again fight for the undisputed title.
“Everyone started screaming, children shouting, all that. Training was just over, you know, I checked my phone and had tons of messages, I immediately went to (my manager), and that is that,” Oliveira Mmahoje started telling.
“Let's go, we're ready for it. 46 days, 46 days to bring the belt where it should never have left. Focus on what is important, be sharp and let it happen,” he continued.
Oliveira comments on his chances against Topuria
Although he probably wants to avenge his earlier loss against Makhachev, Oliveira has stated that he at the moment does not care who he is fighting, as long as he brings the belt home.
“To be honest, I am not really focused on what the boys do themselves. My last fights have all been to this team, I naturally have a wonderful team that will analyze Topuria in every possible way, so that we can see (how we can beat him).
“We are currently deliberating what our game plan could be, but our biggest concern is what I can bring … I know he is a tough opponent, but I know the firepower I have in my hands and I know my kickboxing style.
“I will go all the way to this man like I have never had before, I have a promise to fulfill and I will go for this belt,” Oliveira said.