Ilia Topuria expressed a preference for not having to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
The initial plan for `El Matador` was to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight championship on June 28.
However, Makhachev, a protégé of Khabib Nurmagomedov, vacated his 155-pound title and ascended to the welterweight division for a bout against the new champion, Jack Della Maddalena. Della Maddalena had recently claimed the belt by defeating Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 on Saturday night.
Consequently, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira are set to compete for the vacant lightweight title next month.
Topuria Promises Gentle Approach at UFC 317
Topuria is open about his admiration for his upcoming opponent, both as a competitor and as a person.
The 28-year-old stated that he feels bad about the necessity of inflicting damage upon Oliveira during their fight at UFC 317.
“First of all, I’d like to thank Charles for accepting the challenge,” Topuria said on Thursday.
“Something Islam didn’t do, and he has to pay the price for Islam.
“Honestly, I feel really sorry for Charles, but at the end of the day, it’s my job.”
While Topuria had previously predicted a submission victory over Makhachev, he refrained from making a specific prediction for the fight against Oliveira. Nevertheless, the former featherweight champion confidently declared his intention to finish `Do Bronx` in the least painful way possible.
“I don’t know,” Topuria added when asked to predict his UFC 317 win method.
“With Oliveira, the truth is, whatever is least painful for him, that’s what I’ll do because I like him a lot.”
Jean Silva Offers Sparring Help to Charles Oliveira for UFC 317
Featherweight contender Jean Silva believes he can assist Oliveira in preparing for their upcoming fight.
The UFC fighter has offered to replicate Ilia Topuria’s style during sparring sessions leading up to UFC 317.
“I’m available,” Silva said during an interview with AG Fight.
“I’m the same size as Topuria. If Charles wants to use me as his sparring partner, to do his training, I’m here.
“I know how to imitate Topuria perfectly. I even know his facial expressions.”
Gareth Pendleton