Charles Oliveira Says KO Loss to Ilia Topuria 'Wasn't How We Wanted It' in IG Photo
The main event of UFC 317 didn't turn out the way former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira had hoped, but he's taking his loss in stride.
Oliveira suffered a first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, falling short in his attempt to claim the vacant lightweight title. Following his first knockout loss in nearly eight years, he released a brief statement on social media.
"It wasn’t how we wanted it but I’m fine," Oliveira wrote on Instagram, per Damon Martin of MMA Fighting. "I just want to thank everyone for the affection and the wonderful energy. God bless you all."
The lightweight title was up for grabs after Islam Makhachev vacated the belt to move up for a welterweight title shot. Topuria, the former UFC featherweight champion, vacated his belt as well to pursue a second title in a higher weight class, and Oliveira was given another shot to reclaim his belt.
The fight lasted just over two minutes on Saturday, but Oliveira and Topuria put on a show. After a quick striking exchange, Topuria reversed Oliveira's takedown attempt but later found himself in trouble when Oliveira attempted a leg lock submission. Topuria eventually escaped and got the fight back to the feet, where he knocked out Oliveira with a devastating two-punch combination.
Oliveira has now lost three of his last five fights, but he should still remain near the top of the lightweight division. Once he's healthy enough to return, he will get the chance to work his way back into title contention.
