Charles Oliveira, the former UFC Lightweight champion, experienced a devastating first-round knockout against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025. The fight, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, was for the vacant 155-pound title and ended abruptly with Oliveira’s loss.
Despite Oliveira’s previous success with his traditional fighting tactics, the bout did not go as expected, leaving many fans and analysts stunned by the outcome.
Paddy Pimblett Questions Oliveira’s Strategy Post-Defeat
Paddy Pimblett, who is considered a leading contender for the next Lightweight title shot, openly criticized Oliveira’s approach during the fight. Pimblett expressed disbelief at Oliveira’s gameplan, questioning how a seasoned fighter would engage in what he saw as reckless exchanges against a powerful striker like Topuria.
I was thinking, you know, we could be in for a tough night for Topuria,
Pimblett said on the Verse Us podcast.
Then, Charles got it once and just started swinging with him. I really like Charles, but what the f—k was that gameplan, lad? Just stand in front of him and get punched in the face. I’d love to know what their gameplan was. Because that was half embarrassing.
—Paddy Pimblett, UFC Lightweight Contender
What are you doing just standing in the middle and swinging punches with him when he’s a top-class boxer and he’s got power,
Pimblett added.
It blew my mind how stupid he could be after that was his 47th pro fight, and he was going in there like an amateur.
—Paddy Pimblett, UFC Lightweight Contender
Oliveira Acknowledges His Poor Performance
Following the loss, Charles Oliveira issued an apology for his performance, acknowledging that the fight did not meet expectations. This rare admission from Oliveira highlights the surprising nature of the defeat and sets the stage for potential changes in his approach moving forward.
Pimblett Confident for Upcoming Title Opportunity
With Pimblett close to earning a title shot, he contrasted his own resilience against Oliveira’s vulnerability in the fight. Pimblett noted that he has never endured sustained damage like Oliveira did at UFC 317 and expressed confidence that he will not suffer a knockout in his anticipated matchup.
That’s the thing, [Oliveira] took loads of damage,
Pimblett said.
I’ve never had a fight like that. I want to have a war with someone, but I’ve never had one. I’ve never took a sustained amount of damage in my life.
—Paddy Pimblett, UFC Lightweight Contender
He wouldn’t knock me out, Pimblett concluded.
He could hit me with his best punch and I’d laugh in his face.
—Paddy Pimblett, UFC Lightweight Contender
Implications for the Lightweight Division
Oliveira’s unexpected knockout loss leaves the Lightweight division wide open as contenders like Pimblett prepare to challenge for the title. This result may prompt Oliveira to reassess his fighting strategy, while Pimblett’s bold statements signal a new chapter of rivalry and anticipation for upcoming bouts in the UFC.