Down but not out, it appears, Charles Oliveira remains in high spirits after his crushing KO loss against Ilia Topuria at UFC 317.
Fan-favorite finisher, Oliveira would slip to 1-2 in his three most recent Octagon appearances over the weekend, returning to headlining status at UFC 317.
And in brutal fashion, the Brazilian came unstuck in his bid to capture a vacant lightweight crown for the second time.
Stopped with a brutal knockout in the opening round by the record-setting Topuria, Oliveira became the latest victim of the streaking two-weight title-holding Spaniard.
Remaining positive despite the outcome of his latest title siege, Sao Paulo star, Oliveira released a rather emotional statement following his loss during International Fight Week.
Charles Oliveira thanks fans for support after UFC 317 knockout defeat
“It wasn’t how we wanted it to be,” Oliveira wrote on social media.
“But for the best, I want to thank everyone for the affection and wonderful energy. God bless you all,” He added.
And with losses to now Topuria and top contender, Arman Tsarukyan, littered on his recent run, Oliveira’s path at lightweight has never been less clear.
Admitting that fact himself, the Brazilian revealed he planned to return home to South America, but was unsure who his next fight could come opposite.
“It’s been many years doing what I love, tonight wasn’t how we wanted it, but it’s part of it, and as God wanted, I’m fine with a few stitches,” Oliveira wrote.
“…I’m going to go home and see what happens next,” he continued.
Charles Oliveira has Paddy Pimblett fight option after clash with lightweight contender
Briefly returning to winning ways back in November, Oliveira would rack up his second career win over Michael Chandler in a highlight decision win in Madison Square Garden.
But what is next for the undefeated Topuria appears to have been laid out already.
In the moments after the main event, the Spanish star was joined in the Octagon by surging lightweight contender, Paddy Pimblett.
And flapping gums amongst each other, the impromptu staredown turned physical rather quickly.
Vowing to finish the so-far promotional-perfect contender, Topuria pushed Pimblett during their face-off — with security personnel separating the duo.