Topuria predicts a win over Oliveira: "I'll finish it in the least painful way because I like him a lot."

Ilia Topuria returned to Alicante, the land that welcomed him when he arrived in Spain at the age of 15, and he did so without mincing his words regarding his future, which includes challenging for the UFC lightweight world title against Brazilian Charles Oliveira, former champion in that category. He appeared there to lead the press conference for WOW 19, the largest Spanish mixed martial arts league, of which he is a shareholder. But beyond talking about the event, Topuria dished out verbal barbs to both the lightweight champion, who has decided to move to welterweight, Islam Makhachev, and his future opponent.

Regarding the challenge ahead at UFC 317, which will take place on June 28 as part of International Fight Week, Topuria stated, with his usual confidence, that he will become the lightweight world champion, just as he did at featherweight. "The truth is, I feel really sorry for Charles, but at the end of the day, it's my job. I'm going to fulfill another dream I always had, which was to become a champion in another division, so the result will always be the same: to emerge victorious. Charles is going to pay for Islam Makhachev ," he expressed.

In any case, El Matador has stated that it's nothing personal with the former Brazilian champion, as he holds him in high regard. "With Oliveira, whatever is least painful for him, that's what I'll do, because I like him a lot," he said with his characteristic irony. "He's going to suffer with me a lot. The style I represent for Charles is very complicated . I'm not one of the guys he's faced before, and with the previous guys, he's racked up 10 losses. If I'm not like any of them, imagine what's ahead. He's found himself in a room with me alone... and I thank him for accepting this challenge," the Spanish-Georgian added.

Be that as it may, Charles Oliveira is no ordinary opponent . The Brazilian holds the record for most finishes in UFC history, with 20 wins by this method, and 16 via submission, where he also has the best record. The Brazilian superstar will try to regain the throne he conquered in 2021, but the reality is that Topuria is the clear favorite to win his second world title. The die is cast. Las Vegas will dictate the decision.