Charles Oliveira analyzes the potential clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria

Charles Oliveira believes that Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria are very equal. Oliveira has fought both and believes Makhachev is somewhat one-dimensional in his wrestling. Meanwhile, Oliveira has great respect for Topuria’s power, which he felt firsthand. “Do Bronxs” claims the knockout blow in his loss to Topuria at UFC 317 is the hardest blow he has ever felt. Oliveira also believes Makhachev will finish Topuria if they go to the ground. However, the Brazilian believes it will be risky for Makhachev to go the distance given Topuria’s knockout power.

Too close to call

“Makhachev only has one match,” Oliveira said in a recent interview. “He’s going to pin you down and take you down. And Topuria is a fighter with a lot of power. Not because he knocked me out. That was the hardest blow I’ve ever felt. I’ve never seen his ground work or clinch work. If they stay on their feet, I think [Ilia] knocks him out. If Islam gets a grip on it [Topuria]he will kill him. I think it’s very close. But before Islam can get hold of him, he must first overcome the distance, which is dangerous in the fight against Ilia.”Oliveira (36-11) lost his lightweight title to Makhachev (28-1) via submission at UFC 280 in 2022. Topuria (17-0) began rallying for a lightweight title shot against Makhachev after defending the featherweight title just once. However, Makhachev vacated the title and moved up to welterweight, where he dethroned Jack Della Maddalena to become champion. Meanwhile, Topuria moved up to lightweight and knocked out Oliveira to win the vacant title. “El Matador” is still eyeing a match against Makhachev, even at welterweight.