Charles Oliveira will be paying close attention to the upcoming lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on Saturday to set up a unification fight against Topuria later this year. It will be a highly anticipated fight, and Oliveira is looking forward to it as he believes either of them could get knocked out.
“I wouldn’t give any advice to Justin if he faces Topuria next, because it’s a very similar fight. They’re both fighters who look for the fight and want the knockout,” Oliveira said to CasinoBeats. “Justin doesn’t have a plan B. His plan is to move forward and land shots. He’s a brawler. And on the other side, Topuria is also a brawler, hits hard, and has heavy hands. It would be a fight you can’t blink in, because either one could land and get the knockout.
“Unfortunately, I made a lot of mistakes in that fight [against Topuria], and I lost. I think the right path is to apply pressure, to work, to strike on the feet, but always closing the distance, trying to take him down. That would be the key: pressure from start to finish, landing shots, taking him down, keeping him on the ground.”
Charles Oliveira expects Ilia Topuria to beat Justin Gaethje
Although Oliveira believes Topuria and Gaethje could both knock each other out, he does lean towards the champ getting the win.
Oliveira believes Gaethje would end up getting caught, as Topuria’s power is next-level.
“They’d stand and trade and because of that, Topuria would win,” Oliveira said.
Oliveira could also face the winner as he’s set to face Max Holloway for the BMF belt at UFC 326 in an intriguing bout, and one the Brazilian is looking forward to.
“It’s about who wants it more, who’s hungrier,” Oliveira added. “It doesn’t matter if the fight stays standing, I’m ready. If it goes to the ground, I’m ready. Whatever happens, I’m ready. That’s the difference. I’m an MMA fighter.”
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