Charles Oliveira shared his early prediction for the upcoming lightweight title unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. He highlighted Topuria’s pressure, striking, and finishing ability as key advantages.
Gaethje earned his shot after defeating Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision at UFC 324. He captured the vacant lightweight championship and is expected to challenge Topuria for the undisputed title in the coming months.
Both fighters are known for aggressive, fan-friendly styles, and knockout power. Even though Gaethje is known as one of the division’s most dangerous fighters, Oliveira expects Topuria to retain the title.
“They’d trade punches, and because of that, Topuria would have a big advantage,” Oliveira told Heavy Sports via CasinoBeats. “[Topuria] hits very hard, has a strong ground game, and could win convincingly.”
Oliveira’s opinion carries weight, as he faced both men. He knows their power and style, and experienced firsthand what they are capable of. While he favors Topuria, Gaethje’s ability to win as an underdog makes the fight intriguing.
Charles Oliveira Fought Both Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje
Charles Oliveira has fought both Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje in lightweight title fights, which makes his prediction more credible.
Oliveira won the lightweight title after an eight-fight winning streak. He defeated Michael Chandler for the vacant title and successfully defended it against Dustin Poirier.
Oliveira then faced Gaethje. Unfortunately, he missed weight by 0.5 pounds, so only Gaethje could win the title.
Early in the fight, Gaethje knocked Oliveira down and looked close to finishing him. Known for his resilience, Oliveira recovered and won by 1st round submission.
Oliveira’s fight with Topuria went differently. They fought for the vacant lightweight championship at UFC 317 last June.
Topuria showed the same power he had at featherweight. He knocked out ‘Do Bronx’ in the 1st round and became a two-division UFC champion.
Looking back on the loss, Oliveira said he made several costly mistakes.
“Unfortunately, I made a lot of mistakes in the fight [against Topuria], and I lost. I think the right path is to apply pressure, to work, to strike on the feet, but always closing the distance, trying to take him down,” Oliveira told CasinoBeats. “That would be the key: pressure from start to finish, landing shots, taking him down, keeping him on the ground.”
Oliveira Will Not Give Gaethje Any Advice Against Topuria
Oliveira also said he would not give Gaethje any advice. ‘Do Bronx’ noted that both fighters rely on striking and expects the fight to end in a knockout.
“I wouldn’t give any advice to Justin if he faces Topuria next, because it’s a very similar fight,” Oliveira told CasinoBeats. “They’re both fighters who look for the fight and want the knockout.”
Oliveira said he made costly mistakes against Topuria. He believes Gaethje will stick to his strategy, no matter what openings appear in grappling or wrestling.
“Justin doesn’t have a plan B. His plan is to move forward and land shots. He’s a brawler,” Oliveira said. “Topuria is also a brawler, hits hard, and has heavy hands. It would be a fight you can’t blink in, because either one could land and get the knockout.”
Exclusive: Charles Oliveira Drops Early Pick for Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje