Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira met for their first faceoff on June 26, 2025, at the UFC 317 press conference in Las Vegas. They’ll fight for the vacant lightweight title on June 28, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena, shown on ESPN+ pay-per-view. Dana White’s camera caught their short, respectful talk, showing they admire each other despite the big stakes.
Topuria, who was the featherweight champion, wants a second UFC belt. Oliveira, a past lightweight champion, aims to take back the top spot.
What They Said and Fight Setup
During the faceoff, Topuria said, “You know it’s all respect. I just have to prove I’m the best.” Oliveira replied, “Yes, for our families.” Topuria added, “I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to be against you.” Oliveira answered, “Don’t worry, it’s going to be a great fight.” As they stepped back, Topuria said, “Of course. I’ve already won. The victory is mine.” The talk, posted by Championship Rounds on X, showed respect but also Topuria’s confidence.
What Ilia Topuria said to Charles Oliveira during their face off:
🗣️ Ilia: “You know it’s all respect. I just have to prove I’m the best.”
🗣️ Charles: “Yes, for our families.”
🗣️ Ilia: “I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to be against you.
🗣️ Charles: “Don’t worry, it’s going to be… pic.twitter.com/vrM9GkMDeM
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 27, 2025
The fight headlines UFC’s International Fight Week, with Alexandre Pantoja facing Kai Kara-France for the flyweight belt. It starts at 10 p.m. ET after prelims at 6:30 p.m. ET. Topuria is favored at -300 odds, with Oliveira at +250, per MMA Fighting. Beneil Dariush versus Renato Moicano is also on the card.
Ilia Topuria, born February 21, 1997, in Halle, Germany, joined the UFC on October 10, 2020, submitting Damon Jackson. His 16-0 record includes knockouts over Alexander Volkanovski on February 17, 2024, and Max Holloway on October 26, 2024. He won the featherweight belt against Volkanovski and gave it up before UFC 314 to try for the lightweight title. At 28, Topuria wants to win two UFC belts.
Charles Oliveira, born October 17, 1989, in Guaruja, Brazil, started in the UFC on August 1, 2010, submitting Darren Elkins. His 34-10 record includes winning the lightweight title against Michael Chandler on May 15, 2021, and defending it against Dustin Poirier on December 11, 2021. He lost the belt to Islam Makhachev on October 22, 2022, but beat Chandler on November 16, 2024. Oliveira, 35, has the most UFC finishes (20).
The June 28 fight could reshape the lightweight division. Topuria expects a fast knockout. Oliveira believes Topuria will falter under stress. The winner could fight Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett next, as Topuria said recently.
