Former UFC Bantamweight Champion T.J. Dillashaw has offered a candid, some might say pointed, assessment of the recent highly anticipated bout between rising star Ilia Topuria and former lightweight king Charles Oliveira. Dillashaw suggests the matchup wasn`t merely a natural progression but potentially a calculated move by the promotion, seemingly designed to showcase Topuria`s skills in the most favorable light.
Dillashaw`s central claim is straightforward: “Topuria was deliberately matched against Oliveira.” This isn`t just idle speculation; he provides a clear rationale rooted in fighter styles. Oliveira, despite his significant reach and striking prowess, is known for a fight approach where he often absorbs damage to close the distance and engage, particularly in striking exchanges. “Charles always takes hits in every fight,” Dillashaw observed, adding, “He agrees to close the distance, despite his height and reach.”
According to Dillashaw, this aggressive, distance-compromising style is precisely what Topuria thrives against. Topuria`s formidable boxing and proven ability to absorb punishment and fire back with significant power make opponents who step into his range without airtight defense prime targets. Dillashaw questions why Oliveira didn`t employ a more distance-focused strategy against a dangerous striker like Topuria, rhetorically asking, “Why didn’t this guy maintain maximum distance in the fight with Ilia?”
The veteran fighter`s analysis highlights the strategic mismatch from his perspective. Topuria, he argues, wants the fight contested precisely where Oliveira allowed it to happen – within boxing range, on Topuria`s terms. “Topuria wants you to fight on his terms, at his distance, because his boxing is much better,” Dillashaw stated. He also pointed to Topuria`s durability, noting, “Even if a powerful punch got through to Ilia, he would respond with even greater force. We’ve seen that already.” This suggests that even Oliveira`s dangerous offense was less likely to deter Topuria effectively at that range compared to a fighter who might be more risk-averse.
While fighters ultimately accept bouts and dictate their in-cage strategy, Dillashaw`s comments raise an intriguing point about the potential for strategic matchmaking within a major promotion. Pairing a fighter known for absorbing damage and closing distance with a powerful, durable counter-striker like Topuria could certainly be viewed as creating a high probability scenario for the latter to look exceptionally good.
It leaves fight fans and analysts considering whether certain matchups are simply competitive clashes or carefully constructed stages designed to elevate specific talents. Dillashaw, from his vantage point as a former champion who has navigated the complexities of the UFC landscape, seems to lean towards the latter in this particular instance, offering a perspective that goes beyond the punches and kicks to look at the strategic layer of the fight business itself.
Tristan Blackwood