Nearly a month has passed since Ilia Topuria delivered a devastating first-round knockout to Charles Oliveira, capturing the vacant 155-pound UFC title at UFC 317. Oliveira remains without an upcoming fight, while Dan Hooker has called him out for a potential bout this November, signaling a possible clash between the two seasoned lightweights.
Oliveira’s Recent Setbacks and Fight Status
The defeat to Topuria marks Oliveira’s third loss in five fights, bringing his recent form into question with a 2-3 record. The knockout was a particularly brutal one; Oliveira admitted he had never been rendered unconscious like that before and was out cold for most of the fight sequence. Following the knockout, medical advice suggested Oliveira might need up to six months away from training to recover fully.
Despite this, the Brazilian star, known as ‘Do Bronx,’ has no confirmed fight scheduled. Dan Hooker, however, has aggressively called out Oliveira, urging him to step into the octagon this November. Hooker’s call out carries significant weight considering Oliveira’s current career trajectory and the competitive lightweight division stacked with title aspirants.
Dan Hooker’s Momentum and November Fight Proposal
Dan Hooker is coming off a strong three-fight winning streak, with the latest highlight being a decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot last year. Although Hooker had to pull out of a UFC 313 bout against Justin Gaethje earlier this year due to a broken hand—a serious setback for his surgically repaired hand—he remains eager to return to action this fall. The 31-year-old lightweight is currently ranked sixth and is seen as a formidable challenger capable of disrupting the top contenders.
A fight against Oliveira would offer Hooker a crucial opportunity to climb higher in the rankings and potentially position himself for a title shot. For Oliveira, a victory over Hooker could revive his standing and secure him a clearer path toward a title eliminator or even a rematch with Topuria, meaning stakes are high for both fighters.
Lightweight Division Dynamics and Oliveira’s Place in the Rankings
Currently ranked third in the lightweight division, Oliveira sits amidst a highly competitive group of fighters. The division features strong contenders such as Justin Gaethje, who is positioning himself for a title challenge after winning three of his last four fights, and Arman Tsarukyan, the number two-ranked fighter waiting for another opportunity. Paddy Pimblett also remains in the mix, highlighting the depth in this weight class.
While Oliveira remains inactive with no confirmed bouts, the division continues to evolve around him. Even Max Holloway, the reigning BMF champion, appears ready to defend against Topuria in a possible rematch on a future pay-per-view. Oliveira’s next move, possibly against Hooker, will be critical in establishing whether he can regain contender status or if others will leapfrog him in the queue for the title.
Dan Hooker Rekindles Rivalry with Arman Tsarukyan
Before issuing his challenge to Oliveira, Dan Hooker expressed renewed interest in a long-simmering rivalry with Arman Tsarukyan. Hooker was once ranked number one and was expected to face Tsarukyan for a title shot at UFC 311. Unfortunately, Tsarukyan withdrew from that bout due to a back injury, opening door for other contenders and igniting tensions between the two fighters.
Hooker leveled sharp criticism at Tsarukyan, suggesting that the Armenian fighter’s injury was due to distractions involving his relationship with MMA influencer Nina-Marie Daniele, which Hooker implied led to a lack of focus and toughness.
“On a side note Armans a bi*ch and he can get it too, daddy’s home.” —Dan Hooker
This ongoing feud adds a layer of drama as both fighters aim for title contention. Tsarukyan’s recent split decision victory over Oliveira once positioned him as a leading challenger, but injuries and missed opportunities have stalled his momentum. Hooker’s readiness to revisit their rivalry, particularly in the run-up to a title shot, signals that the lightweight division’s competition will remain fierce and unpredictable.
Upcoming UFC Events Could Shape Title Contention
Looking ahead, several notable UFC events could provide the stage for these potential matchups. The Perth Fight Night at RAC Arena and the forthcoming debut at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, both present opportunities for high-stakes lightweight bouts. UFC 321, scheduled at the Etihad Arena, also remains a plausible venue for significant contests involving these fighters.
The locations and timing of these events suggest that title eliminator fights or bouts with meaningful rankings implications are likely to be featured, giving fighters like Oliveira, Hooker, and Tsarukyan the chance to stake their claim for a title shot. Each athlete’s performance in the coming months will heavily influence the lightweight division’s landscape, including who eventually faces reigning champions like Topuria or Holloway.
As the lightweight division awaits official fight announcements, the callout by Dan Hooker puts pressure on Oliveira to respond and keep his championship aspirations alive. Meanwhile, Tsarukyan’s persistence and Hooker’s renewed rivalry underscore how dynamic and competitive this division remains, with multiple fighters aiming to reach the top of the rankings.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Ilia Topuria Turkish?
A. Ilia Topuria, born on January 21, 1997, is a mixed martial artist with Georgian and Spanish roots. He fights in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and holds the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.