Charles Oliveira's coach: Ilia Topuria 'a better selling fight' than Islam Makhachev
Charles Oliveira's coach: Ilia Topuria 'a better selling fight' than Islam Makhachev
Charles Oliveira's coach Diego Lima admits Ilia Topuria would be a bigger fight than UFC champ Islam Makhachev.
The upper echelon of the lightweight division awaits Makhachev's (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) next opponent to be announced. Former featherweight champ Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC), who recently vacated his belt, says he was promised an immediate lightweight title shot by the UFC. Justin Gaethje called out Makhachev after defeating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.
Meanwhile, Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) wants his rematch with Makhachev after losing their first title fight by submission at UFC 280. Oliveira was booked to run things back with Makhachev at UFC 294 in October 2023, but Oliveira withdrew and was replaced by Alexander Volkanovski. Since losing to Makhachev, Oliveira has gone 2-1, with wins over Beneil Dariush and Michael Chandler.
Many are speculating that the delay for Makhachev's next fight announcement largely looms on the outcome of the upcoming welterweight title fight between champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena May 10 in the UFC 315 headliner. Makhachev and Muhammad won't fight each other, but if Della Maddalena wins, his long-desired move up to welterweight could be next.
"Everybody knows that Charles wants to fight for the belt during International Fight Week," Lima told Sherdog.
Despite gold being the goal, the Chute Boxe head coach admits Topuria would be a more lucrative fight – as long as it's also for the title. Oliveira and Topuria have recently been trading barbs.
"Charles wants to fight for the belt, no matter if it's against Topuria or Makhachev," Lima said. "But since you asked me who would be a better selling fight, I have to answer Topuria. He is doing an excellent job promoting his arrival in the new division. On the other hand, Makhachev disappeared a little bit from the spotlight with his indecision. One day he wants to go up, another day he wants Topuria, another day Gaethje. That's not good for the sport. But we are doing our part getting ready for the UFC's call."
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