Charles Oliveira may be known for his high-level grappling skills, but the former lightweight champ also boasts a collection of TKO victories on his resume, which testify to his commendable striking. Recently, Oliveira counted himself a heavier puncher than his upcoming UFC 317 rival, Ilia Topuria, who is reputed to be one of the most vicious strikers in the current UFC roster.
Oliveira also reminded Topuria that he was a regular featherweight, while “Do Bronxs” had built his career primarily at lightweight. However, several fans got agitated at his remarks. One of them also provided him with a reality check with reference to Conor McGregor.
Fans Refuted Charles Oliveira’s Claim With Examples of His Previous Fights
Oliveira’s class-apart grappling and slick submission skills are at the core of his remarkable run in the UFC. The Brazilian currently holds the record for the most submission victories in UFC history. As a result, Oliveira’s mastery on the ground often overshadows his striking prowess. “Do Bronxs” boasts TKO victories over noted lightweight contenders like Michael Chandler and Beneil Dariush, which speaks volumes about his commendable striking.
However, the Brazilian doesn’t have the reputation of a one-punch destroyer like his upcoming rival, Topuria. The Spaniard has finished five out of his eight UFC rivals via TKOs, including the former featherweight champs, Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway.
Topuria also proved his might at lightweight by knocking Jai Herbert out cold during their UFC London encounter in 2022. Still, Oliveira recently opined that he could outmatch Topuria in terms of punching power.
A recent update on X displayed “Do Bronxs,” discussing a few of his fight-related aspects with the host. While conversing about his upcoming fight against Topuria, Oliveira highlighted how he had stood and traded with formidable strikers like Justin Gaethje. The Brazilian, hence, asked the former featherweight champ to be considerate about the power of lightweights.
Subsequently, the host questioned Oliveira whether he could “hit harder” than Topuria, to which “Do Bronxs” replied affirmatively. “For sure,” Oliveira said through his translator.
Charles Oliveira says he hits harder than Ilia Topuria and that Ilia needs to respect the lightweights:
“He’s a tough guy, like I said. He’s coming from the lower division, so you have to respect the lightweights.” pic.twitter.com/4PALFiGUBG
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) June 12, 2025
However, fans failed to digest Oliveira’s claim of being a heavier puncher than Topuria. One of them didn’t like the way “Do Bronxs” underestimated Topuria just because he was a featherweight. He reminded Oliveira how McGregor used to knock lightweights to the floor despite entering the UFC as a featherweight.
His comment read, “Everyone said the same thing to Conor when he was moving up.”
Everyone said the same thing to Conor when he was moving up😭
— Dexter Makachikadev (@youtoobar) June 12, 2025
Another fan reminded Oliveira about his loss against Holloway at featherweight, writing, “This guy has been verbally tapped by Holloway lmao, wtf is he yapping about?”
A This one stated, “Lol, he has never colded someone in the UFC.”
Lol he has never colded someone in the ufc
— Oliveira sleeps June 28th.✝️ (@aspinallviako) June 12, 2025
Others derided Oliveira saying things like, “This quitter does not hit harder than us. We are going to send you to the shadow realm” and “Ummmmm went 5 rounds with Chandler?”
It seems like there will be more at stake for Oliveira at UFC 317 than just the UFC lightweight gold. The Brazilian might try to prove his words about being a heavier striker than Topuria, besides having his eyes on claiming the lightweight title once again.