Former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira has released his first statement off the back of his shocking UFC 317 loss to the unbeaten, Ilia Topuria, thanking fans for their continued support.

Oliveira, the number two ranked contender, attempted to become a two-time champion at the weight class in his return overnight, having first won the belt back in 2021.

However, coming unstuck, the Sao Paulo star would drop a hellacious opening round knockout loss to former featherweight kingpin, Topuria — suffering his second loss in his third most recent outings.

Struggling with the power and boxing of the undefeated, Topuria, Oliveira would suffer a massive cut over his right eyebrow in the opening exchanges, before being flattened before the three-minute mark — as predicted by the Spaniard.

Following his defeat, the promotion’s most prolific finisher released a statement following the loss, having initially apologized to his fans on his official X account.

Charles Oliveira thanks fans for support after UFC 317 defeat

“It wasn’t how we wanted it to be, but for the best, I want to thank everyone for the affection and wonderful energy,” Charles Oliveira posted on his official Instagram account overnight. “God bless you all.”

Back to the drawing board once more, the veteran Oliveira would suffer his first knockout defeat since a 2017 ground strikes stoppage defeat to former lightweight contender turned color-commentator, Paul Felder.

Himself lining up an end-of-year comeback, Topuria was met in the Octagon in the immediate aftermath of his win by historic rival, Paddy Pimblett.

Vowing to stop and finish the Liverpool grappler, Topuria and the former Cage Warriors champion were separated by security officials after the newly-minted champion shoved Pimblett following a war of words.