UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has expressed regret following his recent loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, admitting that his approach during the fight was flawed. The Brazilian fighter, widely regarded as one of the best in his division, faced Topuria with the lightweight title at stake but was knocked out, ending his reign and handing Topuria his second UFC world title.
Despite calls from many for Oliveira to take a lengthy break after such a tough defeat, he plans to remain active, setting up a matchup against Rafael Fiziev in the main event of UFC Rio this October. Oliveira is motivated to prove doubters and critics wrong as he prepares for this next challenge.
Lessons Learned from the Fight Against Topuria
In an interview with Thunderpick, Oliveira openly discussed what went wrong in his bout with Topuria. He acknowledged that he trained extensively on footwork, calf kicks, combinations, and takedown setups before the fight.
“My reflection is simple: sometimes we try to prove something we don’t need to prove,”
Oliveira said.
However, once the fight began, Oliveira admits his mindset shifted.
“But when the fight started, I just wanted to show off,”
he confessed.
Oliveira believed too strongly in his knockout power and waited for the perfect moment to land a decisive strike. Unfortunately, Topuria’s speed and timing surpassed him.
“He was way faster than me because I was standing there waiting for one shot. He was way quicker,”
Oliveira noted.
Topuria executed his plan better that night, landing his punches first and earning respect for his performance.
“Meanwhile, I was waiting for something I shouldn’t have waited for,”
Oliveira recalled.
He recognizes that his mistake was not moving more dynamically as he had trained, choosing instead to stand still and pay the price.
“What should I have done? Moved. But I didn’t. I didn’t do anything I trained for. I just stood in front of him and paid the price,”
Oliveira said. After the defeat, he focused on spending time with family before returning to training, determined to improve.
Determination to Bounce Back Stronger
Oliveira shared that this loss marked the first knockout he has suffered in his 15 years in the UFC, but he insists no one else needs to uplift him after the setback.
“I’ve been in the UFC for 15 years. I’d never been knocked out before — this was the first time. But I don’t need anyone to pick me up. It’s up to me. So, I’ve already gotten back up, and I’m moving forward. Like I said, that night is over. Now, it’s about the next one.”
His words demonstrate a restless drive to overcome this defeat and reclaim his standing in the lightweight division as he prepares for his upcoming bout against Fiziev.