“I challenge him: we can do a separate boxing match, grappling match, wrestling match — everywhere, I beat him however I want.” In a long ongoing back-and-forth internet fight between Ilia Topuria set out a clear challenge for his UFC 317 opponent Charles Oliveira. Although the 36-year-old entered the ring with the promise to his 7-month-old son and wish to win the lightweight belt again since his last in 2017, things took a quick turn for the underdog.

On Saturday night, Topuria used a sharp right hand to set up his next move. At the 2:27 mark of the opening round, a left hook sent Oliveira to fall flat on the canvas in front of a concerned crowd of 19,800 with a cut on the side of his right eye. With the win, the Georgian-Spaniard who always states “I represent the new generation of mixed martial arts” now has 10 first-round finishes and is the first undefeated (17-0) fighter to become champion in two UFC divisions after also defending his featherweight title last year.

As for ‘Du Bronx’, it might have been his final chance at the gold, having been in Dana White‘s promotion for well over a decade. However, with this latest message to his fans, Oliveira and his wife, Vitoria Brum, have consoled the UFC world and it seems like this is not the end after all.

He shared a message on social media, accepting the defeat with grace and also promising the fans that he will be returning stronger. “Today wasn’t my day, but I’m fine. Thanks for all the love,” Oliveira wrote on his Instagram story.

Well, Charles Oliveira has nothing to be ashamed of because in this sport, when a veteran falls, a new star rises. It’s just the nature of combat sports. He also shared a post and story by his significant other— Vitoria Brum—who sent a message in his support after the knockout defeat.

Vitoria Brum shares a heartwarming message for Charles Oliveira

Charles Oliveira is one of the biggest stars and highly decorated fighters in UFC history. The fighter may not have been able to add another finish and win another bonus at UFC 317, but that does not take away anything he’s achieved in Dana White’s promotion. His girlfriend, Vitoria Brum, echoed the same sentiment, and while understanding the nature of the sport, she urged Oliveira to keep his chin up and head high.

“A bad result does not define you. You are an example and inspiration for many people. Let’s come back better. Unfortunately, in this game, anything can happen, the fight will always be unpredictable, one wrong step and it could end,” Charles Oliveira’s partner wrote on her Instagram story. “But it will never change who you are or erase your history. Let’s come back again to pursue our dream. I love you and I will always be here for you, my champion.”

Well, Charles Oliveira is not done fighting just yet, and as we’ve mentioned already, he’s going to return soon. But what lies ahead for the former champion? Do you think a possible move to the welterweight division is on the horizon for ‘Do Bronx’ or should he continue fighting in the lightweight division? Drop your comments below.