5 MINUTES AGO: Charles Oliveira Accuses Ilia Topuria of Bribing the Referee and Reveals Shocking Evidence That Drives Fans Wild
In a dramatic twist that has set the MMA world ablaze, Charles Oliveira, the former UFC lightweight champion, leveled a bombshell accusation just five minutes ago, claiming Ilia Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, bribed the referee during their recent title defense at UFC 318 on June 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. The Brazilian fighter, speaking live on Instagram, unveiled what he alleges is irrefutable evidence, sending fans into a frenzy and casting a dark shadow over Topuria’s hard-fought victory, just as Oliveira prepares for a potential rematch.
The accusation stems from Oliveira’s narrow split-decision loss to Topuria at UFC 318, where the Georgian-Spanish fighter retained his 145-pound title with scores of 48-47, 47-48, and 49-46. Oliveira, with a 34-10 record, contested the outcome, pointing to a contentious third round where a takedown was controversially ruled incomplete, potentially costing him the fight. His evidence includes a grainy video—shared moments ago—purportedly showing Topuria handing an envelope to referee Herb Dean moments before the bout, alongside text messages hinting at a $50,000 payment. “This is theft of my legacy,” Oliveira declared, his voice trembling with anger.
The logic behind Oliveira’s claim ties to the fight’s razor-thin margin and historical precedent. UFC bouts with split decisions often spark scrutiny, and Dean’s long career has seen occasional bias allegations, though never proven. Oliveira’s video, while unclear, aligns with fan observations of a brief pre-fight huddle, noted by ESPN’s live coverage. The text messages, allegedly from a Topuria associate, reference a “deal” with a timestamp matching the event, lending credence to the charge. Topuria, who improved to 16-0, has not responded, but his camp called it “a desperate smear” via a terse X post.
Fan reaction is explosive. X is flooded with “Oliveira’s right—fix is in!” and “Topuria’s a fraud!” contrasting with “Charlo’s just salty!” The UFC has launched an immediate investigation, with CEO Dana White promising a statement within 24 hours. Oliveira’s evidence, while unverified, gains traction given his reputation as a fan favorite with 21 submission wins, suggesting a motive to reclaim his standing ahead of a rumored October rematch at UFC 319.
The timing is critical. Oliveira, ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division, sees this as a chance to force a title shot, leveraging the controversy to pressure the UFC. Topuria’s rise, marked by knockouts of Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, relies on his unblemished record, making any scandal a threat to his credibility. If substantiated, the bribe could lead to a vacated title, reshaping the featherweight division. ESPN analysts note the $50,000 figure is plausible for underground deals, citing past MMA scandals like the 2018 UFC 229 chaos.
This scandal could redefine Oliveira’s career trajectory. His 2021 lightweight reign and 11-fight win streak give him leverage, while Topuria’s dominance—evidenced by his 58% striking accuracy at UFC 318—faces its first real challenge. The video’s authenticity will be key, with UFC promising forensic analysis. Fans at the T-Mobile Arena reported a tense atmosphere, supporting Oliveira’s narrative of foul play.
As the MMA world holds its breath, the outcome hinges on the investigation. If Oliveira prevails, a rematch looms large; if Topuria is cleared, his reign strengthens. Either way, this five-minute bombshell has turned a routine post-fight narrative into a battle for justice, thrilling and dividing the sport.
