Charles Oliveira’s Redemption: Can He Recapture Lightweight Gold Against Ilia Topuria?

By Ali Hammad June 13, 2025 09:14

On June 28, 2025, UFC 317 will stage a high-stakes showdown between former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and former featherweight king Ilia Topuria for the vacant UFC lightweight title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This bout is more than just a championship fight it represents Oliveira’s quest for redemption and a chance to reclaim the throne he lost amid a shifting lightweight landscape.

Oliveira, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu virtuoso and the UFC’s all-time leader in submission wins, held the lightweight title from 2021 to 2023. His reign was marked by a record 10 successful defenses and a career total of 34 wins in the UFC, showcasing his lethal grappling and evolving striking arsenal. However, after losing the belt to Islam Makhachev and witnessing Makhachev’s recent move to welterweight, the lightweight crown was vacated, opening the door for Oliveira’s return to the summit.

Facing Oliveira is Ilia Topuria, a rising star who recently vacated his featherweight title to pursue greatness at 155 pounds. Topuria’s move up in weight has been aggressive and confident; after dominant wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, he has declared himself the “best fighter in the world” and is eager to become a two-division champion. The Georgian-Spanish fighter has sharpened his ground game and has openly challenged Oliveira, even asking fans how they want him to finish the veteran by submission or knockout.

The rivalry between Oliveira and Topuria has been intense in the lead-up to UFC 317. Topuria has taken a confrontational stance, calling Oliveira “disrespectful” and questioning his past defeats. Oliveira, in turn, has dismissed the hype, focusing on his own journey and the goal of reclaiming the belt. “I’ve been in the UFC for 15 years, showing respect to everyone. My journey is documented, and it’s visible to all,” Oliveira said through a translator. “It’s not about who stands in my way; it’s about claiming the championship”.

Stylistically, the fight presents a fascinating clash. Oliveira’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu and experience give him a significant grappling edge, while Topuria’s power and wrestling improvements make him a formidable threat in all phases. Topuria’s confidence at lightweight is palpable: “I feel so powerful at 155 pounds that when I touch Oliveira’s chin, it’ll explode,” he proclaimed in a recent UFC promo video. Oliveira, known for his resilience and adaptability, will rely on his striking improvements and submission prowess to counter Topuria’s aggression.

The stakes could not be higher. With Islam Makhachev vacating the lightweight title to chase welterweight glory, UFC 317’s main event is set to crown a new era champion. For Oliveira, this fight is a chance to silence critics and prove he remains the division’s top dog. For Topuria, it’s an opportunity to cement his status as a generational talent and become a two-division UFC champion.

In the end, Oliveira’s redemption story hinges on his ability to impose his game plan against a younger, hungry opponent. His experience and championship pedigree are invaluable assets, but Topuria’s youth and power make this a true 50-50 contest. As fight night approaches, the MMA world watches closely, knowing that whoever emerges victorious will shape the lightweight division’s future.

The UFC’s International Fight Week will be electrified by this battle of wills, skill, and heart. Oliveira’s journey back to the top is on the line can “Do Bronx” reclaim his crown, or will Topuria’s rise continue unabated? The answer awaits inside the Octagon on June 28