Ilia Topuria is just days away from UFC Freedom 250, where he will face Justin Gaethje in another major lightweight test.
Ahead of that fight, Topuria has shown respect for Charles Oliveira, the man he beat to win the lightweight title in June 2025. He praised Oliveira’s comeback performance against Max Holloway, calling it a display of “lion heart” and a “special mindset”.
And now, his words drew a gracious response from a rival still chasing the belt.
Charles Oliveira responds to Ilia Topuria’s praise
Oliveira replied on X with a message that mixed gratitude, humility and competitive focus.
“Thank you, Ilia Topuria. After every defeat I had, I try to improve mindset and technically. And not losing my focus – learning lessons from fights where my opponent performed better. Good luck in the UFC White House. God bless, folks, and have a nice weekend,” he wrote on Friday.
It was a respectful exchange, but there is still competitive tension behind it. Oliveira has made it clear he wants another shot at the lightweight belt, and a rematch with the Spaniard could happen if the division opens that path.
However, the path back to Topuria is crowded. Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan remain major possibilities, while Gaethje could change everything with a win at the White House card.
Still, Oliveira’s intentions are clear. There may be respect between the two, but his drive to reclaim UFC gold has not faded. And it could happen against ‘El Matador’.
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