"Topuria is definitely the hardest puncher I've ever faced," Oliveira told Ag.Fight. "He hits the hardest. There's no denying that."
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Referee Marc Goddard (in black) stops the fight as Ilia Topuria lands a punch on a downed Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 28/6. Photo: AP |
Referee Marc Goddard (in black) stops the fight as Ilia Topuria lands a punch on a downed Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 28/6. Photo: AP
Oliveira said he's faced formidable opponents like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Michael Chandler, but had never been knocked out in the first round like he was against Topuria.
"I've never been knocked out. I've been dropped, but this time I was knocked out. It was something new for me. I don't know what happened," the Brazilian fighter expressed.
Oliveira is renowned in the UFC for his diverse fighting style, especially his superior Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) skills. He began his professional career in 2008 and joined the UFC in 2010.
The Brazilian fighter reached the peak of his career when he defeated Michael Chandler to become the UFC lightweight champion. Oliveira then defended his title against Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, solidifying his place as one of the best lightweights in history. He holds the record for most submission wins in UFC history (16) and once had an 11-fight win streak.
However, Oliveira suffered a quick defeat against Topuria in their lightweight title fight at UFC 317 last month. Just 2 minutes and 27 seconds into the first round, Oliveira was hit with a series of punches and fell to the canvas. Topuria landed two more punches, forcing referee Marc Goddard to intervene and stop the fight.
Oliveira admitted he's still disappointed two weeks after UFC 317. According to the 35-year-old fighter, the issue wasn't the loss itself, but that he couldn't execute any part of his game plan.
"I'm going to change everything," Oliveira stated. "Not in training, but in the fight. I didn't do anything I trained for. Topuria followed his game plan and became the champion. My strategy was to hit and move, use combinations to get to his head, keep the distance with kicks. I practiced a lot of calf kicks, a lot of knee strikes, not staying still. And then when the fight started, I stood still and took the hits."
At 35, Oliveira remains passionate and wants to immediately return to training. He's interested in fighting BMF champion Max Holloway, who is scheduled to face Dustin Poirier in Poirier's farewell fight at UFC 318 in New Orleans on 19/7.
Hong Duy (MMAJunkie)
