UFC champion Ilia Topuria shocked the world by moving to the lightweight division, which has generated excitement, but it also comes with an unexpected challenge.

As the undefeated Spanish-Georgian fighter looks to dominate a new weight class, former champion Charles Oliveira has set a condition he won’t face Topuria unless he proves himself first.

Topuria initially targeted Islam Makhachev’s lightweight title, hoping to secure a championship fight. However, Makhachev has shown little interest in accepting the challenge.

This has fueled speculation that Topuria could take on one of the division’s top contenders, including Oliveira, a submission specialist known for having one of the most dangerous ground games in UFC history.

Recently, former fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen explained why Oliveira refuses to fight Topuria. In an interview with ESPN, Sonnen revealed Oliveira’s reasoning:

“I will only fight Ilia Topuria if he wins the belt. If he moves up and proves he belongs here—if he’s the world champion—then I’ll fight him. “

“This is my weight class, I hold a higher ranking, and I’ve been a champion here before. This guy is all talk. If he wants to fight me, he needs to move up, win the belt, put it on the line, and then I’ll take him on.” he said.

With Oliveira declining the fight for now, Topuria’s next opponent remains uncertain. Despite the uncertainty, he has hinted at an exciting upcoming announcement, telling fans:

“When we announce it, you won’t believe it. Get ready.”

As speculation grows, the question remains whether Topuria will secure a fight against Makhachev or need to prove himself against another top contender first.

His lightweight journey has already hit an obstacle, keeping fans eager to see his response.

Ilia Topuria UFC Record

• October 26, 2024 – Win vs. Max Holloway, UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway
• February 18, 2024 – Win vs. Alexander Volkanovski, UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria
• June 24, 2023 – Win vs. Josh Emmett, UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Topuria
• December 11, 2022 – Win vs. Bryce Mitchell, UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev
• March 19, 2022 – Win vs. Jai Herbert, UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall
• July 11, 2021 – Win vs. Ryan Hall, UFC 264: Poirier vs. McGregor 3
• December 6, 2020 – Win vs. Damon Jackson, UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Vettori
• October 11, 2020 – Win vs. Youssef Zalal, UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen

ALSO READ: Why Islam Makhachev Won’t Fight Ilia Topuria in UFC? Fight declined: Report