Jun 28, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ilia Topuria (red gloves) fights Charles Oliveira (blue gloves) during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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Charles Oliveira Slams Lightweight Division; Credits Rafael Fiziev for Accepting UFC Rio Fight

Jun 28, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Ilia Topuria (red gloves) fights Charles Oliveira (blue gloves) during UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Throughout his career, Charles Oliveira has built a reputation as someone who will fight anyone, anywhere, at any time. His willingness to take on all challengers helped him become one of the most beloved fighters in Brazil and around the world.

The Brazilian submission artist recently suffered a shocking knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 in June. That brutal finish ended Oliveira’s hopes of reclaiming the lightweight title he once held. Many fighters would take months to recover both physically and mentally from such a devastating defeat. But just three months after getting knocked out cold, Oliveira is already looking to get back in the octagon. This might be bravery or foolishness, and that will be proven at UFC Rio.

Charles Oliveira Disappointed By Lightweight Contenders

Oliveira recently went public with his frustrations about the lightweight division’s reluctance to face him. Talking to Ag Fight, he claimed that multiple fighters turned down the opportunity to fight him in Brazil. The former champion specifically called out the lack of courage from his fellow lightweights. According to Oliveira, these fighters talk a big game on social media but disappear when the UFC offers them actual fights. He believes many of them are afraid to travel to Brazil and face him in front of his home crowd.

Oliveira saved special criticism for Dan Hooker, who had previously called him out publicly. The New Zealand fighter had been vocal about wanting to fight the Brazilian legend. But when the UFC actually offered him the fight in Brazil, Hooker apparently changed his tune. According to Oliveira, ‘The Hangman’ quickly backed down when presented with the real opportunity. This type of behavior clearly frustrates the Brazilian, who sees it as all talk and no action.

“They offered me names, but those guys didn’t even want the fight. They talk trash from afar, but when I say, ‘Come on, I’m here,’ they back down…Dan Hooker? He talks nonsense online, but when called out, he bails.”

Charles Oliveira goes off on the lightweights, saying none of them wanted to fight him in Brazil, and the only one who accepted was Rafael Fiziev 🔥

"They offered me names, but those guys didn’t even want the fight. They talk trash from afar, but when I say, ‘Come on, I’m here,’… pic.twitter.com/dNFHvnbFs3
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) August 9, 2025

Social media has made it easier for fighters to call each other out and create buzz. But actually signing contracts and stepping into the octagon requires a different level of commitment. Oliveira seems tired of fighters who use his name for attention but won’t actually fight him when given the chance.

Rafael Fiziev Steps Up When Others Back Down

Rafael Fiziev emerged as the only lightweight willing to accept the challenge of fighting Oliveira in Brazil. The Azerbaijani striker has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous stand up fighters in the division. His Muay Thai background and knockout power make him a legitimate threat to anyone in the lightweight rankings. More importantly, Fiziev showed the courage that other fighters apparently lacked by accepting the Brazil fight.

Oliveira expressed genuine respect for Fiziev’s willingness to step up when others wouldn’t. The Brazilian acknowledged that Fiziev could have easily turned down the fight like so many others did. Instead, ‘Ataman’ showed true fighter mentality by accepting the challenge. This type of warrior spirit is exactly what Charles Oliveira respects in the sport. He believes fighters should be willing to compete anywhere if they truly want to be considered elite!

(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)

Charles Oliveira

Dan Hooker

Rafael Fiziev

UFC Rio

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!