Footage from an HBO documentary shows Ilia Topuria backstage before his fight with Charles Oliveira, at which point he carried a 16-0 record. The clip illustrates the self-belief Topuria displayed as he worked toward a title shot.
Newly surfaced footage from an HBO documentary captures Ilia Topuria backstage ahead of his fight against Charles Oliveira, offering a glimpse into the mindset the Spanish contender carried into one of the biggest bouts of his career — when his record stood at 16-0.
Topuria, now 17-1 and ranked second in the lightweight division and first in the pound-for-pound standings, was 29 years old at the time of the documentary clip's focus. Known as "El Matador," the Spain-based fighter trains out of Climent Club and has built a reputation as one of the sport's most productive strikers, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. The footage underscores the self-assurance he projected as he pushed toward a title opportunity.
Standing across from him in that matchup was Charles Oliveira, the Brazilian veteran nicknamed "Do Bronxs." Now 36 years old and ranked third at lightweight with a 37-11-0 record, Oliveira brings one of the most decorated submission games in the division, averaging 2.6 submission attempts per 15 minutes. He also generates consistent takedown pressure at 2.22 per 15 minutes, all while landing strikes at 54 percent accuracy — a figure that ranks among the division's best.
Why it matters
- The documentary clip provides rare behind-the-scenes context around a high-stakes lightweight matchup
- Topuria's 16-0 record at the time illustrated the momentum he carried heading into the fight
- Both fighters remain active forces in the lightweight division, with Topuria sitting at number one pound-for-pound and Oliveira ranked third in the weight class
- The footage adds to the broader narrative of Topuria's rise through one of the UFC's most competitive divisions
Sunday, June 14, 2026
