The UFC Lightweight division is heating up with one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Former UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira, famously known as “Do Bronx”, is set to face the undefeated Ilia Topuria on June 28th in the main event of UFC 317 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This fight promises to be a clash of generations and styles that could shake the entire UFC community to its core.

Oliveira has made no secret about his goal — to reclaim the UFC Lightweight Championship that he believes is rightfully his. Meanwhile, Topuria, the Georgian powerhouse and former UFC Featherweight Champion, is looking to cement his status as the next big star in the lightweight division.

In an exclusive interview with Full Violence, conducted through an interpreter, Oliveira laid bare his mindset and gave fans a glimpse of what to expect when the two warriors collide in the Octagon.

Charles Oliveira Sets His Sights on the Lightweight Throne

Charles Oliveira has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Known for his exceptional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and relentless fighting style, Oliveira has proven time and again why he’s considered one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight division.

When asked about his thoughts on facing Ilia Topuria, Oliveira was blunt and unapologetically confident. “I don’t care much about what people say,” he stated. “I know he’s a guy who hits hard, but he’s talking about the lightweight category, the harder category. I fought against Justin Gaethje, and everyone said he was the guy who hit harder, and when I did, he went down.”

This remark highlights Oliveira’s faith in his own power, a “power of fire in the hands” that he believes will be enough to overcome Topuria’s threat. Oliveira is clearly sending a strong message to his doubters: despite Topuria’s unbeaten streak and knockout power, Do Bronx believes he holds the keys to victory.

Experience vs. Youth: Oliveira’s Edge Over Topuria

One of the most significant storylines leading up to the fight is the stark contrast in experience between the two fighters. Oliveira has been in the game for over 15 years and has battled elite competition across multiple weight classes.

“In reality, we’ve been in there for 15 years,” Oliveira said. “I’ve seen a lot of these guys say a lot of things, that I give up, that I’m going to lose, that they’re going to knock me out, that they’re going to finish me, and then, when the time comes, they don’t do anything.”

This statement reveals Oliveira’s belief that the fight community tends to overhype the newcomers while underestimating veterans who have endured the grind of professional MMA. Oliveira’s experience is a key advantage, especially in high-pressure situations like a UFC main event.

Ilia Topuria: The Undefeated Challenger

On the other side of the cage is Ilia Topuria, an undefeated force with a reputation for finishing fights decisively. The former UFC Featherweight Champion has made a seamless transition to lightweight, and many analysts consider him a future title contender.

However, Oliveira is unbothered by Topuria’s unbeaten record. He believes that Topuria’s lack of experience in the lightweight division will be his downfall, pointing out that the hype around the fight tends to favor the Georgian without giving enough credit to his own accomplishments.

Oliveira’s Confidence Sends a Strong Message to Doubters

Charles Oliveira is no stranger to overcoming adversity. His career has been marked by incredible highs and lows, but his passion and perseverance never wavered. When asked about his mindset going into this pivotal fight, Oliveira was clear.

“It’s a great fight, he’s a great fighter, but I don’t need to prove anything to anyone about who I am, what I’ve done, (and) what I’ve done in the fight business,” Oliveira said.

This reveals a fighter who is grounded, confident, and laser-focused on his goal. Oliveira is not driven by the opinions of the crowd or the media but by his own inner fire to reclaim his position at the top of the UFC lightweight hierarchy.

A Fight That No One Wants to Miss

The stakes could not be higher for both fighters. For Oliveira, this is a chance to return to title contention and remind everyone why he was once the undisputed lightweight king. For Topuria, this fight represents a stepping stone towards a potential title shot and legacy-defining victory.

With June 28th drawing closer, the UFC community is abuzz with anticipation. The combination of Oliveira’s vast experience and Topuria’s youthful momentum promises an explosive clash that could very well change the course of the lightweight division.

The Significance of UFC 317 in Las Vegas

UFC 317 will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada — a city synonymous with epic battles and historic moments in combat sports. The event’s main event will feature Oliveira vs. Topuria, a matchup that blends technical skill, raw power, and unparalleled heart.

Both fighters understand the pressure of performing on such a grand stage. But Oliveira’s extensive time in big fights is likely to give him a mental edge when the stakes are highest.

What’s Next for the Winner?

A victory over a fighter like Ilia Topuria could launch Oliveira back into title contention in a big way. For the winner, the path to the UFC Lightweight Championship would be clearer, and the hype around a potential title run would be unstoppable.

For Oliveira, this is not just another fight — it’s an opportunity to make history and prove to the UFC community that he still belongs at the very top. “I will knock out this guy. That’s for real,” Oliveira declared with unwavering certainty.

Charles Oliveira’s bold statements and readiness to face Ilia Topuria head-on have sent shockwaves through the UFC world. Fans and pundits alike are waiting to see if the veteran’s experience and unrelenting fighting spirit will be enough to dethrone the undefeated challenger.

This fight has all the ingredients to become a defining moment in the lightweight division — a battle that could send the UFC community into absolute shambles with a shocking upset or a dominant display of skill.

One thing is for sure: June 28th will be a night to remember, as Charles Oliveira looks to reclaim his throne and prove once again why he’s one of the most feared fighters in the UFC.