On June 28, 2025, Charles Oliveira will compete for the vacant UFC lightweight title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, aiming to become the first fighter to reclaim the belt twice in this division. The Brazilian’s path to this historic moment was marked by controversy surrounding his previous title defense against Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 in 2022. During the weigh-ins, Oliveira was stripped of his title after missing weight, which he has since contested as unfair and politically influenced.
Despite losing his championship on the scales before the fight began, Oliveira delivered a first-round submission victory over Gaethje, reaffirming his position as an elite lightweight. However, the official outcome left him without the belt, stirring intense debate among fans and analysts about the legitimacy of the decision.
Details of the UFC 274 Fight Dispute with Gaethje
The controversy originated when Oliveira reportedly weighed slightly above the lightweight limit at the UFC 274 weigh-ins. The commission ruled the overage sufficient to strip him of the title ahead of the fight, a move that many saw as harsh given the small margin. Oliveira has strongly voiced his belief that the weigh-in infraction was exaggerated or manipulated.
In a candid interview shared by Red Corner MMA via Real MMA Today, Oliveira expressed his frustrations about the handling of the situation. He said,
In that fight against Justin Gaethje—everyone knows they stole my belt. Man, people think that over 200 grams, they would let it slide? But really, that was never 200 grams. I made weight Thursday, I was good. It was never about 200 grams.
—Charles Oliveira, UFC Lightweight Fighter
He further accused Gaethje’s corner of interfering during the weigh-in, commenting,
First, his corner, his coach, was always around me, all over the place like he was from the commission. This stuff doesn’t happen anywhere else. There’s honestly nothing I could do. I fought in his town, his commission, his people. They just wanted to hand him that belt, but they couldn’t do it outright, so they were trying to mess with my head.
—Charles Oliveira, UFC Lightweight Fighter
This perception of bias and unfair treatment has left Oliveira feeling robbed of a title he believed he legitimately earned, which continues to motivate him in his upcoming bouts.
Oliveira’s Focus Shifts Toward UFC 317 and Ilia Topuria
Looking past the turmoil of UFC 274, Oliveira is now preparing for what could be the defining fight of his career at UFC 317. His opponent, Ilia Topuria, is an undefeated rising star moving up from featherweight and known for his powerful striking and balanced grappling skills. Oliveira has expressed confidence in overcoming this challenge, emphasizing his advantage in size and experience within the lightweight division.
Oliveira’s training camp includes Jean Silva, a fellow Brazilian with similar physical attributes and striking technique to Topuria, allowing Oliveira to simulate his upcoming opponent’s style in preparation. This strategic approach underlines Oliveira’s commitment to reclaiming the lightweight championship.
Speaking to Full Violence, Oliveira stated,
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, what I’ve done in the fight business. The fight came at a huge opportunity. I will knock out this guy. That’s for real.
—Charles Oliveira, UFC Lightweight Fighter
Topuria’s Response and the Fight’s Potential Impact
Ilia Topuria, poised to make his lightweight debut, has criticized Oliveira by pointing to his past losses, suggesting vulnerabilities in the Brazilian’s record. Topuria has also noted that cutting less weight for this fight will preserve his power, signaling his intent to dominate at 155 pounds.
Given both fighters’ knockout capabilities and determination, UFC 317 is anticipated to be an intense contest that could end before the final bell. The stakes are high for both athletes: Oliveira aims to make history with a second lightweight title, while Topuria seeks to establish himself as a force in a higher weight class.
Why the UFC 274 Decision Still Resonates
The dispute over the UFC 274 weigh-in and subsequent title stripping has added a layer of drama to Oliveira’s career. His public statements about the event highlight ongoing concerns about fairness and officiating in the sport. The controversy remains a significant topic among UFC enthusiasts, fueling debates about regulation transparency and athlete treatment.
This dispute also intensifies the narrative surrounding Oliveira’s comeback storyline heading into UFC 317, positioning his next fight as not only a championship clash but also a chance to erase lingering doubts about his legacy.
As the fight approaches, fans and analysts will closely observe Oliveira’s performance against Topuria, watching to see if he can overcome the past controversy and once again ascend to the top of the lightweight division.