Dan Hooker has voiced concerns over Charles Oliveira returning to the octagon too quickly following his recent knockout defeat to Ilia Topuria. Oliveira is scheduled to compete against Rafael Fiziev at UFC Rio in October, but Hooker insists that he was never offered this fight and disputes claims that he declined the bout. He explained that ongoing recovery from hand surgery prevents him from fighting before November.
Hooker emphasized that he only planned to return later in the year and that UFC had not approached him about meeting Oliveira in Brazil. The timing of Oliveira’s upcoming fight against Fiziev surprised Hooker, who questioned the wisdom behind such a rapid return after a heavy knockout loss.
Addressing the situation in an interview, Hooker said:
“Charlie Olives, you’ve been lying in my name, my friend. He said I was offered a fight with him October in Brazil, and I turned it down. False accusations. I was never offered. You think that’s really how that phone call went? You think in your mind of minds, in your heart of hearts, that I got a phone call from the UFC that said, ‘Do you want to fight semi-conscious Charles Oliveira in eight weeks?’ And I said, ‘Oh no, I’m scared of Charlie Olives’ lifeless body floating around the cage.’ No, that’s not how that went down.”
He added his doubts about Oliveira’s quick comeback:
“I can’t even imagine why he’s fighting in October. I don’t know who watched his last fight against Ilia Topuria, and seen the back of his head bounce off the mat like a basketball and said, ‘You know what, I’d like to see him match for a fight in six weeks’ time against Rafael Fiziev.’ That makes absolutely no sense… Are you serious?”
Daniel Cormier Shares Concerns Over Oliveira’s Swift Return to Competition
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier also expressed worry about Charles Oliveira stepping back into competition only three months after his knockout to Topuria. Drawing from his own experience of recovering after a tough loss to Jon Jones, Cormier highlighted the importance of allowing sufficient time to heal following a heavy knockout.
On his YouTube channel, Cormier questioned the rationale behind Oliveira’s rapid scheduling against Rafael Fiziev, especially considering the severity of the damage sustained in his previous fight.
“He’s a nice guy, he’s a tremendous fighter, he has done so many great, fun things. But then you wonder why so soon? That was my thought once I calmed down from the excitement… Charles Oliveira is fighting again against Rafael Fiziev. It’s going to be a barnburner because both of these guys are great strikers.” —Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Champion
Implications for Oliveira and UFC Rio Event
The decision to have Oliveira face Fiziev at UFC Rio, just three months after a significant knockout loss, raises questions about fighter safety and readiness. Both Oliveira and Fiziev are known for their striking abilities, which promises an intense contest but also increases the risk if Oliveira has not fully recovered.
Hooker’s and Cormier’s skepticism underscores broader concerns about athletes returning to competition too swiftly after brutal knockouts, potentially compromising long-term health. Their comments may influence how the UFC manages fighter recovery periods in future matchups.
As the UFC Rio event approaches, close attention will be on Oliveira’s performance and physical condition. The outcome of this fight could impact Oliveira’s career trajectory and fuel ongoing conversations about appropriate recovery time for fighters after serious defeats.