“Do Bronx” is okay.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight champion Charles Oliveira suffered a brutal first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria for the vacant 155 lb title at UFC 317 last night (Sat., June 28, 2025) from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada (watch highlights).
A few hours after his main event loss, Oliveira issued a statement on social media.
“It wasn’t how we wanted it but I’m fine I just want to thank everyone for the affection and the wonderful energy,” Oliveira wrote on Instagram. “God bless you all.”
The former champion also issued a quick tweet, simply apologizing.
My apologies.
— Charles ‘DoBronxs’ Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) June 29, 2025
Oliveira (35-11) had not been knocked out since way back in 2017, when Paul Felder melted him with a nasty elbow (watch highlights).
The Brazilian is 2-3 in his last five fights, with losses to former champion Islam Makhachev (watch highlights) and the No. 1 ranked Lightweight Arman Tsarukyan.
While “Do Bronx” is a fan favorite and one of those fighters where it seems he will always be one or two wins away from another title shot, the 35-year-old finds himself in a tough position in terms of the title picture, especially with Topuria now holding the belt.
Manaics, any ideas on who Oliveira should fight next?
For complete UFC 317 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
