Charles Oliveira Picks the Three Legendary UFC Fighters He Would Have by His Side in a Street Fight

Charles Oliveira stands among the most decorated fighters in UFC history. His humble persona and friendly demeanor made him one of the most beloved competitors ever. The Brazilian superstar currently holds the BMF championship and has faced elite opposition throughout his career. Oliveira recently picked three fighters from his stacked résumé to back him in a street fight.

Oliveira dominated Max Holloway across five rounds to capture the BMF championship at UFC 326. He repeatedly secured takedowns, controlled the grappling exchanges, and earned a unanimous 50-45 decision on every scorecard. Before that victory, Oliveira defeated Mateusz Gamrot with a submission win, overcoming another elite lightweight contender before adding BMF gold to his résumé.

Oliveira’s selections reflected the respect he has earned through years of competing against elite opposition. ‘Do Bronx’ chose Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, and Ilia Topuria as the three fighters he would want beside him in a street fight. He reserved his highest praise for Makhachev, highlighting the reigning welterweight champion’s elite abilities while recognizing all three as exceptional competitors.

The fighters would be Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier and also Ilia Topuria. Every time we see each other, they treat me very well. These are three guys that I respect a lot as fighters. Not just for what they done in the cage but also for what they do outside.

Charles Oliveira via ALF Global

Charles Oliveira picked Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, and Ilia Topuria as the three fighters he would want by his side in a fight.

Oliveira went on to praise Islam Makhachev the most, calling him "an exceptionally talented master." He also stated that, in his opinion,… pic.twitter.com/h8AuZcC3Gd

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 21, 2026

Oliveira undoubtedly holds immense respect for Makhachev, who halted his lightweight title run. The Dagestani phenom submitted the Brazilian star with a second-round arm-triangle choke at UFC 280 to win the vacant lightweight championship. The defeat ended Oliveira’s reign before he rebuilt his career.

Oliveira also shares significant history with Poirier after their UFC 269 lightweight title clash. He secured a third-round rear-naked choke submission to retain the championship. Following the fight, Poirier honored a promise to donate $20,000 to a charity of Oliveira’s choice, reflecting the mutual respect.

However, Oliveira’s most recent meeting came against Topuria at UFC 317, where the Georgian-Spanish star scored a first-round knockout victory. Before the bout, both fighters consistently showed mutual respect, praising each other’s accomplishments while avoiding any personal animosity.

What makes Oliveira so admired is his willingness to show genuine emotion throughout his career. Ahead of UFC 326, he was moved to tears after an emotional pep talk from his father before the BMF title fight. Moments like these have reflected the humility and authenticity that continue to define his UFC.

Islam Makhachev remains the UFC welterweight champion, while Dustin Poirier has retired from active competition. Ilia Topuria continues recovering from his UFC Freedom 250 title loss. Charles Oliveira, however, enters a new chapter as he prepares for a possible first BMF title defense.

Charles Oliveira picks former rival to beat Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria was once considered one of the most unbeatable fighters in the UFC. His devastating knockout power made him one of the most dangerous opponents inside the Octagon. However, that changed at UFC Freedom 250, where Justin Gaethje handed him his first career loss through a fourth-round corner stoppage.

Arman Tsarukyan has remained near the top of the lightweight rankings for months. He has expressed his desire to face the Spanish superstar due to their long-running rivalry. Following Topuria’s recent loss, the Armenian contender remains confident in his ability to defeat the former champion.

Charles Oliveira faced Tsarukyan at UFC 300 in a high-level lightweight matchup. Tsarukyan secured a split decision victory after a competitive battle, surviving Oliveira’s submission attempts and dangerous offense. Having experienced both fighters, Oliveira later shared his thoughts on Tsarukyan’s chances against Topuria.

I fought both of them and in my fight against Topuria, I made a mistake, I wanted to trade punches… If I had chosen a completely different strategy, the fight would’ve been different. Tsarukyan always fights like this… He wrestles on the ground and relies on grappling, that’s the right tactic against Topuria.

Charles Oliveira via ALF Global

Charles Oliveira says Arman Tsarukyan has what it takes to beat Ilia Topuria.

"I think Arman is quite capable of winning," Oliveira said, while acknowledging Topuria's knockout power.

He pointed out that Tsarukyan consistently looks for takedowns and believes that once the… pic.twitter.com/D0t91HqGEY

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 21, 2026

Oliveira’s comments highlighted the respect he holds for Arman Tsarukyan’s abilities after sharing the Octagon with him. With ‘El Matador’ rebuilding after his first loss and the Armenian superstar remaining among the division’s elite, their potential matchup continues to attract attention.

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• Colby Covington has Positive Prediction for Arman Tsarukyan’s Future After Handing the Armenian First RAF Loss