“A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.” The iconic line, delivered by Vito Corleone in The Godfather, may resonate in the world of mafia dons, but when it comes to MMA fighters, the reality is far more complex. Just ask Michael Chandler. Despite coming up short in his recent outings and the lingering disappointment of that failed war against Conor McGregor, the Missouri native has consistently prioritized his love and commitment to his family. Their families often understand the sacrifice, even when the spotlight doesn’t!

That same balancing act—between professional glory and personal life—is now weighing heavily on former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. With UFC 316 in the rearview mirror, Dana White has unveiled a roadmap that could reshape the 155lbs division. With Belal Muhammad no longer holding the welterweight crown, the door has opened for reigning lightweight champ Islam Makhachev to vacate the belt and move up to 170 lbs. That move leaves the 155-pound title up for grabs at UFC 317, where ‘Do Bronx’ is set to collide with Ilia Topuria.

For Charles Oliveira, this is a shot at redemption—a second chance to wear lightweight gold. But standing across from him is a 28-year-old Topuria, who has relinquished his featherweight belt in pursuit of two-division greatness. He’s young, hungry, and leaving no stone unturned. And so is the Brazilian. Determined to rewrite his legacy, ‘Do Bronx’ is putting everything on the line—even his time with his family. This time, Oliveira is doubling down on his training, spending less time at home and more hours inside the gym. But not everyone is on board with the sacrifice.

His wife, Victoria Brum, recently shared her feelings in a pointed Instagram story, writing: “Let’s go after the father of the kids who left at 6 AM to train and still hasn’t come back.” While it may sound like a jab, those close to the couple know it was more of a playful nudge than real frustration. After years together, Brum understands just how much this moment means to Charles Oliveira.

Set to turn 36 later this year, the former lightweight champion knows the clock is ticking. This might be his last real shot to reclaim the 155-pound title and ride off into the sunset with gold around his waist. Coming off a win over Michael Chandler at UFC 309, Oliveira now stands 2-2 in his last four outings. But the road ahead is steep, with a juggernaut like Ilia Topuria standing in his way.

Can Charles Oliveira rise to the occasion one last time? Only the MMA gods can answer that. Meanwhile, ‘El Matador’ isn’t taking any chances. To sharpen his arsenal, the featherweight-turned-lightweight has enlisted the help of a fellow 145er. Who is this fighter lending a hand in camp? Let’s take a closer look.

UFC star steps in to help Charles Oliveira, matching Ilia Topuria’s size perfectly

Ilia Topuria could represent the toughest challenge in Charles Oliveira’s recent winning streak—and the feeling is mutual. Fans are well aware of how formidable the former lightweight champion is, but this fight also marks ‘El Matador’s first true test at 155 pounds. It won’t be an easy transition for him—just ask featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski, who faced difficulties moving up and ultimately fell to Islam Makhachev. That encounter served as a stark reminder: size matters in the lightweight division.

Come UFC 317 this June, size might once again influence the outcome. Ilia Topuria measures 5’7″, while Charles Oliveira holds a three-inch height advantage at 5’10”. But those numbers don’t tell the full story. The Spanish has already shown he can overcome physical mismatches—take his dominant performance over the 5’11” Max Holloway as proof. Though often the shorter fighter inside the Octagon, Topuria expertly closes distance and thrives in chaotic exchanges.

To help Oliveira prepare for Topuria’s relentless style, UFC featherweight Jean Silva has stepped up. Matching the Georgian-Spanish’s height at 5’7″, ‘The Fighting Nerd’ has volunteered as a sparring partner to replicate Topuria’s movement and power. A rising contender in the 145-pound division, Silva made the offer during an interview with Ag Fight.

“I’m available, and I’m the same size as ex-145 lb champ,” Silva said. “If Charles wants to use me for sparring during his training camp, I’m ready. I know how to mimic Topuria’s style perfectly—even his facial expressions. If it’s the same Charles from his last fight, this is going to be incredible. With that game plan, Charles will run right through Topuria.”

With UFC 317 still over a month away, what are your thoughts on the upcoming clash between Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria? Do you believe the Brazilian can become a two-time lightweight champion? Share your opinion below!