A highly anticipated fight for the vacant UFC lightweight title will take center stage at UFC 317 on June 28, 2024, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event features former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria squaring off against former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira in the main event. Topuria is confident leading up to this moment, openly predicting a knockout victory against Oliveira.
In a promotional video, Ilia Topuria stated, “I feel so powerful at 155. I’m gonna touch his chin and it will explode.” His bold declaration has raised eyebrows and expectations as fans gear up for this captivating matchup.
Michael Bisping, a former middleweight champion and now a respected analyst, has shared his insights on the upcoming bout. According to Bisping, Oliveira's exciting fighting style could play into Topuria’s knockout prediction. He said, “If you ask Ilia Topuria, this fight is just a mere formality because he is going to touch the chin of ‘Do Bronx.’” Bisping believes Topuria's confidence is palpable and instrumental to his performance.
Bisping continued to praise Charles Oliveira, describing him as one of the best and most thrilling fighters in the lightweight division. However, he expressed concerns over Oliveira’s aggressive style that often puts him at risk. “Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira is an exciting fighter. He is one of the best in the division and one of the most exciting,” Bisping remarked. “But it’s that exciting style that gives me cause for concern.”
Oliveira is known for his willingness to engage with opponents, often moving forward and exchanging blows in the pocket. Fans appreciate this fearless approach, but it can also expose him to significant counter-attacks. Bisping characterized it as a “buzzsaw with reckless abandon,” emphasizing its entertainment value while warning of its dangers.
“The way that he walks forward like a buzzsaw... it's beautiful to watch. It’s very, very entertaining. No one will be booing when Charles Oliveira fights,” Bisping explained. Despite the thrill Oliveira provides, that same reckless style may leave him open to being hit hard, especially against a calculated striker like Topuria.
Bisping contrasted Oliveira’s explosiveness with Topuria’s composed fighting style. He described Topuria as clean, calm, and focused. “He’s in the moment. The hands are high. The base is low. The head is moving constantly, and he’s looking at his opponent, tracking him down across the octagon,” Bisping noted. Topuria’s strategy includes utilizing footwork to corner opponents, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash his explosive power. “He’s got big power. He might explode the chin of Charles Oliveira,” added Bisping.
This lightweight title fight at UFC 317 promises not just to be a battle for championship gold but also a clash of contrasting fighting styles. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Topuria's predictions hold true or if Oliveira’s exciting and engaging style can defy the odds once again. As fight night approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters looking to establish themselves at the top of the division.
