Ilia Topuria has been a showstopper and a gamechanger ever since he’s stepped foot into the cage. Now, he’s lined up to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Regardless, this matchup is a career-defining moment for Topuria. He’s making a very audacious jump from the featherweight title he vacated earlier this year to now enter the lightweight division. Topuria brings an excellent 16-0 record proving to be an extremely dangerous foe. He’s beaten all-time greats such as Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, showcasing his mastery of the Octagon.
Topuria had a rocky start, going only three wins in his first seven. Now, he has proven himself to be a downright dangerous player on the UFC roster. At 28 years old, this little dude is 5′ 7″ in heels, honey. With a reach of 69 inches, these qualities accentuate his athletic style of fighting even more. In that time, he has become a sensation, even a phenomenon in the fighting world. ESPN currently has him listed as the second-best pound-for-pound UFC fighter in the world.
The Path to UFC 317
Ilia Topuria is undefeated but his journey to the top has been filled with struggles. Early in his career, he fluctuated between different weight classes, seeking his place in the competitive landscape of mixed martial arts. This time of limbo ultimately inspired him to make a run at the featherweight division, where he found considerable success.
After a breakout campaign in 2024, Topuria scored stoppage wins over two former champions, increasing his buzz surrounding him to a fever pitch. Commenting on his victory over Max Holloway, he expressed gratitude and humility:
“To beat a legend like Max Holloway, I don’t know what to say.” – Ilia Topuria
His recent performances have thrust him into the title chase picture, making his upcoming fight against Oliveira a must-see match-up.
The Upcoming Bout Against Oliveira
As we get closer to UFC 317, Topuria is doing more than just talking the talk. He aims for a decisive victory against Oliveira and is confident about his capabilities:
“I’m going to finish him in the first round.” – Ilia Topuria
Oliveira, a longtime veteran with elite striking and grappling skills, is clearly aware of the challenge Topuria poses. He remarked on his own preparations for the fight:
“We are more than prepared for this fight. [Topuria] is a tough opponent, but I know the firepower I have in my hands.” – Charles Oliveira
Topuria’s unshakeable confidence comes from training and previous matchups with elite fighters. He emphasized that he has faced formidable challenges before and is ready for anything that comes his way:
“You can never count him out because he’s a dangerous guy.” – Ilia Topuria
A Title on the Line
With each fighter looking to seize an early opportunity in this pivotal clash, the stakes couldn’t be higher. While Topuria has a reputation as a dangerous grappler, he is hungry for more than just hardware. In his eyes, this fight is a key obstacle along that path. He’d given up his featherweight title to compete full time at lightweight and had actually intended to face Islam Makhachev to start.
“I’m going all in! I made a vow to myself and I’m focused on capturing this belt,” said Oliveira. He underscored just how important this fight is for his career now and for getting another opportunity at a title in the future.
Topuria’s 16-0 record isn’t just a sign of his skill, but of his focus on staying perfect. He recognizes Oliveira’s status as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history, particularly highlighting his record for finishes:
“He has the most finishes in the UFC’s history. But I have faced those kind of situations many, many times, with [Alexander] Volkanovski, with Max Holloway.” – Ilia Topuria
