Charles Oliveira’s manager and coach, Diego Lima, has provided an update on the former UFC lightweight champion and the possibility of a fight against Ilia Topuria.
Contrary to rumors of a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, Topuria announced last month that he intends to vacate the featherweight title and move up to 155 pounds.
UFC CEO Dana White believes this surprising decision stems from Topuria’s struggles with weight cuts and waning interest in the featherweight division. Now, the big question is: what’s next?
While not officially confirmed, Topuria is widely expected to be Islam Makhachev’s next challenger for the UFC lightweight title.
Meanwhile, Charles Oliveira secured a unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler last time out in a five-round co-main event rematch at UFC 309. The bout earned “Fight of the Night” honors and placed the Brazilian back into the championship conversation.
Coach Lima weighed in on the evolving title picture while speaking to Álvaro Colmenero.
“Everything is revolving around Makhachev. If Belal doesn’t win the fight in May, (Makhachev) would have a chance to go up a weight class, leaving us with Topuria vs. Charles.
“But if Belal wins, (Makhachev) would stay at lightweight, and we would have to see with the UFC who it would be — Topuria or Charles — because it depends on two factors: the UFC and Makhachev himself.”
