Former UFC Bantamweight Champion T.J. Dillashaw recently provided a focused analysis of the high-profile bout between surging contender Ilia Topuria and former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. According to Dillashaw, the specific pairing of these two fighters may not have been a random event but potentially a deliberate strategic move designed to favor one combatant over the other.
“Topuria was deliberately matched against Oliveira,” Dillashaw stated, presenting his core thesis. He elaborated on his reasoning, characterizing the matchup as the “perfect fight” for Ilia Topuria. This assessment stems primarily from Dillashaw`s view of Charles Oliveira`s typical fighting approach and how it interacts with Topuria`s strengths.
Dillashaw highlighted Oliveira`s historical tendency to absorb strikes during exchanges. “Charles always takes hits in every fight,” he observed, pointing to a consistent characteristic in Oliveira`s performances. Furthermore, despite possessing a notable height and reach advantage that could be used to control distance, Dillashaw noted Oliveira`s willingness – and in the case of the Topuria fight, perceived failure – to utilize this attribute effectively. “He agrees to close the distance, despite his height and reach. Why didn’t this guy maintain maximum distance in the fight with Ilia?” Dillashaw pondered, suggesting a strategic misstep or perhaps a fundamental stylistic preference that plays into an opponent`s hands.
This preference for close quarters, according to Dillashaw, is exactly where Topuria wants the fight to occur. “Topuria wants you to fight on his terms, at his distance, because his boxing is much better,” he explained. Topuria`s proficiency in boxing at close range, combined with his power and resilience, creates a dangerous proposition for opponents who engage him there. Dillashaw acknowledged Topuria`s ability to absorb and immediately counter, noting, “Even if a powerful punch got through to Ilia, he would respond with even greater force. We’ve seen that already.”
In essence, Dillashaw`s analysis proposes that Oliveira`s consistent tactical habit of accepting close-range exchanges and absorbing damage created an environment perfectly suited for Topuria`s strengths in close-quarters boxing and power striking. This stylistic compatibility, in Dillashaw`s view, made the fight a particularly advantageous scenario for Topuria, leading him to believe the matchup was not coincidental but rather a calculated choice.
