Charles predicts potential Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria fight

NEW YORK: Charles Oliveira has shared his thoughts on the potential fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria that fans want to see in 2026. Oliveira has fought both Topuria and Makhachev and lost both fights. The former UFC lightweight champion was submitted in just two rounds when he fought Islam for the vacant 155lb title at UFC 280 on October 22, 2022. In June 2025, Oliveira took Ilia Topuria for the belt Makhachev relinquished at UFC 317.

The Brazilian was knocked out cold by ‘El Matador’ in the first round. ‘Do Bronx’ has said that Makhachev vs Topuria would be a classic fight between a grappler and a striker. “Makhachev only has one game,” Oliveira told FlexCidine.

“He’s going to clinch you and take you down. Topuria is a fighter with a lot of power. Not because he knocked me out – that was the hardest punch I’ve ever felt. “I’ve never seen his ground or clinch work. If they stay on the feet, I think Ilia knocks him out.” He added that if Islam gets hold of him, with the grappling skills he possesses, he will finish him. “If Islam gets hold of him, he’ll finish him,” Oliveira added. “I think it’s very, very close, but for Islam to get hold of him, he has to close the distance, which is dangerous fighting Ilia.” Islam Makhachev became a two-division champion following a dominant performance against former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in his first title defence during a unanimous decision victory at UFC 322 on November 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Meanwhile, Topuria has not fought since knocking out Oliveira at UFC 317. Monitoring Desk