UFC 317: Topuria's Bold Claim! Oliveira's Opportunity or Topuria's Triumph?
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Ilia Topuria is aiming to make history at UFC 317, stepping up to the lightweight division for a shot at the vacant title against Charles Oliveira. After dominating the featherweight division and leaving his belt behind, Topuria is confident he'll become a two-division champion.
Topuria, appearing on "The Ariel Helwani Show," acknowledged Oliveira's threat: "You can never count him out because he's a dangerous guy. He has the most finishes in UFC history." However, Topuria remains supremely confident. He added, "I have faced those kind of situations many, many times, with [Alexander Volkanovski], with Max Holloway. No one could beat them. No one could knock them out. And they always had this thing in their mind... You never faced me. You never faced someone that skillful like me."
Topuria believes his skill level is unmatched and that Oliveira will be in for a rude awakening. "This is what I've been saying for a long time. The skill development I'm bringing to this sport, they've never felt it, they never saw it. So this is what's going to happen with Charles. He thinks that he has some opportunities, but the reality is that he [does] not. The only thing he has to do is show up, and I'll do the rest."
The undefeated Topuria (16-0, 14 finishes) also expressed relief at not having to cut down to 145 pounds anymore. "I feel much, much better," he said. "That 10 pounds makes the difference; trust me. Just imagine 10 pounds of meat on the table; that’s a lot of meat.” Topuria’s dominant victories over Volkanovski and Holloway have already earned him recognition as a top fighter, and a win over Oliveira would solidify his place among the sport's elite. This UFC 317 clash is shaping up to be a must-watch event.
Will Oliveira's Experience Prevail?
Charles Oliveira, a seasoned veteran with a record of impressive finishes, presents a significant challenge. His experience and submission skills are undeniable. Will he be able to capitalize on Topuria's perceived arrogance? Only time will tell.