Charles Oliveira, once considered the UFC’s lightweight king, has been the subject of some heavy trolling following his shocking knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. The Brazilian, who had an impressive reign as the lightweight champion before his setback, was called out by a rising star in the division, and the response was less than flattering.

Oliveira’s knockout loss to Topuria back in 2025 shook the MMA world, as many had placed their faith in the former champion’s well-rounded skill set. The bout ended with Topuria’s devastating knockout in the first round, leaving Oliveira, who had been touted as one of the greatest finishers in UFC history, slumped on the canvas in a moment that shocked both fans and experts alike. In the aftermath, the internet erupted with memes and commentary mocking the shocking turn of events. The 34-year-old’s usual aggressiveness in the octagon and his dominance on the ground were nowhere to be seen during that brief but brutal encounter.
Now, after the loss, Oliveira is back to the grind, but not without facing some online ridicule. His first callout since the loss was met with a wave of trolly responses, with fans quickly turning his dramatic fall from the throne into meme-worthy material. “Sleeping” has become a popular phrase associated with the fighter, a reference to the image of Oliveira lying unconscious on the canvas after Topuria’s uppercut finished the fight.
The callout that sparked the trolling came from none other than lightweight contender Michael Chandler. Chandler, a fighter known for his quick wit and trash talk, couldn’t resist taking a jab at Oliveira. On social media, Chandler posted a video of himself mimicking Oliveira’s KO, with the caption: “Sleeping like a champion, eh?”
The callout was a calculated move on Chandler’s part, as he looks to position himself for another title shot. However, it wasn’t just Chandler who joined in on the fun. Other UFC fighters and fans alike quickly jumped on the bandwagon, using the #SleepingOliveira hashtag and mocking the Brazilian’s knockout in memes, GIFs, and jokes.
Despite the trolling, Oliveira has remained relatively quiet on social media, possibly choosing to focus on his recovery and the process of getting back to championship form. He is expected to return to the octagon in late 2025, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move in the division. Oliveira has yet to respond directly to the trolling, but it’s clear that he is determined to bounce back from the loss and prove that he still belongs among the elite.
In the world of combat sports, a single loss doesn’t define a fighter’s career, but for Oliveira, the KO loss to Topuria marks a significant turning point. Will he be able to erase the memories of the brutal knockout and regain his status as a title contender? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: the road back to the top will be filled with hurdles, including the ongoing ridicule from fans and competitors alike.
As Oliveira prepares for his next fight, the UFC lightweight division remains as exciting and unpredictable as ever, with fresh faces like Topuria and Chandler stepping up to challenge the established names. Charles Oliveira’s journey is far from over, but whether or not he can reclaim his place atop the division remains one of the most intriguing storylines in the UFC today.