UFC 317: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira—Keys to Victory

UFC 317: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira—Keys to Victory

UFC 317: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira—Keys to Victory

UFC 317, set for June 28, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, promises one of the most significant lightweight title fights of the year. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria faces ex-lightweight king Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Both fighters bring contrasting styles and compelling narratives, making this matchup a fascinating chess match inside the Octagon.

Background and Stakes

Ilia Topuria, undefeated at 16-0, recently vacated his featherweight title to move up to lightweight, initially targeting the division’s pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev. Ranked No. 2 in the lightweight division, Topuria’s rise has been meteoric, highlighted by a second-round knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308. At 28 years old, the Georgian-Spaniard combines youth, power, and technical precision, standing 5’7” with a 69-inch reach.

On the other side is 35-year-old Charles Oliveira, a UFC legend holding records for most submission wins (16), finishes (20), and performance bonuses (20). Oliveira is a former lightweight champion seeking to become the first fighter to reclaim the UFC lightweight title twice. Known as "Do Bronx," he brings experience, crafty grappling, and relentless pressure.

Keys to Victory for Ilia Topuria

Topuria’s path to victory lies in leveraging his youth, power, and striking accuracy. His knockout of Holloway demonstrated his ability to finish elite opponents early. Topuria’s strength, even moving up a weight class, could be a deciding factor. His precise striking and takedown defense will be critical to neutralize Oliveira’s dangerous submission game.

“I believe for Charles, he must fully commit or completely step back and try to initiate grappling… he needs to get on top and make Topuria wrestle. We haven’t seen Topuria wrestle in the UFC yet,” said ESPN commentator Paul Felder. This suggests Topuria’s wrestling defense will be tested, and his ability to keep the fight standing could tilt the scales.

Topuria himself has boldly predicted a finish within the first few minutes, confident his pressure and accuracy will overwhelm Oliveira. “To defeat a legend like Max Holloway, I’m at a loss for words... I hope to be a small example for the new generation,” Topuria said, underscoring his hunger and belief.

Keys to Victory for Charles Oliveira

Oliveira’s route to regaining the title hinges on imposing his grappling dominance. With a record-setting submission arsenal, Oliveira thrives when he can take opponents to the mat and control the fight. His experience in five-round title fights gives him a strategic edge in pacing and adapting.

At 6’0” with a longer reach, Oliveira enjoys a physical advantage, though Topuria’s power may offset that. Oliveira has emphasized his hunger and legacy, stating, “He’s younger and comes in with an undefeated record, but does he desire it more than I do? Does he possess greater hunger and thirst than I have?”

To win, Oliveira must either take Topuria down or force him into grappling exchanges where his submission skills can shine. His ability to mix striking with grappling transitions will be key to breaking down Topuria’s defense.

Final Thoughts

This fight is a classic clash of youth and power versus experience and technique. Topuria’s undefeated record and knockout power make him a formidable challenger, while Oliveira’s submission pedigree and veteran savvy pose a significant threat.

As UFC 317 approaches, both fighters have declared confidence and hunger, setting the stage for a thrilling battle. Whether Topuria can maintain distance and land decisive strikes or Oliveira can drag the fight to the mat will likely determine who emerges as the new lightweight champion.

Fans can catch the main event live on ESPN+ pay-per-view starting at 10 p.m. ET on June 28, with the walkout expected around midnight ET.


LATEST

  • NEWS
  • |
  • ARTICLES
  • |
  • VIDEOS
img_articles

Historic Night in Azerbaijan: Why UFC’s Baku Ev...

img_articles

UFC Nashville 2025: Full Fight Card, Start Time...

img_articles

UFC at the White House: Everything We Know Abou...

img_articles

Jon Jones Teases UFC Return: Will He Fight Aspi...

img_articles

Tom Aspinall’s First Title Defense: Who Will Ch...

img_articles

Ilia Topuria Rises to No. 1 Pound-for-Pound Aft...

img_articles

UFC July 2025 Schedule: Every Fight Fans Can’t ...

img_articles

Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier Trilogy: Who Wi...

img_articles

UFC Nashville Fight Card: Derrick Lewis vs. Tal...

img_articles

UFC 317: Joshua Van’s Breakout Performance and ...

img_articles

UFC 317: Alexandre Pantoja’s Legacy and the Fly...

img_articles

Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval: Did UFC 317 Deli...

img_articles

What’s Next for Ilia Topuria After UFC 317? Pot...

img_articles

Ilia Topuria Becomes Two-Division Champion With...

img_articles

Megan Anderson Dating History: UFC Star’s Relat...

img_articles

UFC’s Most Dominant Champions in 2025

img_articles

UFC’s Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Fighters in 2025

img_articles

Did Jon Jones Retire Due to Legal Issues? The T...

img_articles

Alexandre Pantoja Net Worth 2025: Career Earnin...

img_articles

UFC Rumor: Is Francis Ngannou vs. Tom Aspinall ...

img_articles

UFC 317 Betting Prediction: Expert Picks and Od...

img_articles

UFC Rankings: Who’s Climbing After Fight Night ...

img_articles

Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Jamahal Hill Full Fight...

img_articles

UFC Baku: Rafael Fiziev Outpoints Ignacio Baham...

img_articles

UFC Baku: Curtis Blaydes Edges Rizvan Kuniev in...

img_articles

UFC 317 Preview: Topuria vs. Oliveira for the L...

img_articles

UFC 317: Charles Oliveira’s Path Back to the Li...

img_articles

Jon Jones’ Dating History: Relationships of the...

img_articles

Jon Jones’ Brothers: Meet the Athletic Family B...

img_articles

Kamaru Usman Eyes Title Shot: Is a Comeback in ...

img_articles

Jon Jones’ UFC Future: Will the Legend Return t...

img_articles

UFC’s Biggest Rising Stars to Watch This Year

img_articles

Curtis Blaydes Returns After 11 Months: Can He ...

img_articles

The Evolution of UFC Training Camps: What’s Cha...

img_articles

Win or Lose — They Still Get Paid: UFC Fighter ...

img_articles

What Happened to UFC Fighter Walt Harris? Trage...

img_articles

How Did Joe Rogan Get Involved in the UFC? The ...

img_articles

Joe Rogan’s Top 10 Most Memorable UFC Post-Figh...

img_articles

10 Top Fighters the UFC Rejected: Surprising St...

img_articles

Max Holloway Aims to Seize Lightweight Glory at...

img_articles

What Are the Biggest UFC Upsets So Far in 2025?

img_articles

Is Jon Jones Retiring from UFC? Latest News and...

img_articles

What Are the Most Controversial UFC Decisions o...

img_articles

Who Are the Highest Paid UFC Fighters in 2025?

img_articles

UFC on ABC: Hill vs. Rountree Jr. – Betting Pre...

img_articles

UFC’s $375 Million Settlement: What the Antitru...

img_articles

Anthony Smith Slams UFC Fighter for ‘Pretending...

img_articles

Rodolfo Bellato Accused of Faking Knockout: UFC...

img_articles

Charles Oliveira’s Redemption: Can He Recapture...

FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK