Sun Nov 17 05:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Oliveira Warns Topuria: Lightweight Division a “Shark Tank”
**NEW YORK** – Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira has praised rising featherweight star Ilia Topuria, but cautioned him against a hasty move up in weight. Topuria, fresh off impressive knockout victories over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, has expressed confidence in submitting current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
While acknowledging Topuria’s skills and aggressive fighting style, Oliveira warned that the lightweight division is significantly tougher than featherweight. “Ilia is a tough fighter,” Oliveira stated at UFC 309 media day. “He’s doing things. I can see why he would want to challenge people. But you have to be very careful coming up to lightweight because this is tough. This is a very tough division.”
Oliveira, who faces Michael Chandler in a rematch at UFC 309 this Saturday, emphasized the risks involved in transitioning to the lightweight division. He will be looking to secure a second victory over Chandler after winning their first encounter by knockout in 2021. The fight takes place at Madison Square Garden and is a co-main event.
First Piper 