Ilia Topuria Sends Cold Warning to Charles Oliveira with Stunning Training Video

UFC knockout specialist Ilia Topuria issues a threatening message to divisional legend Charles Oliveira ahead of UFC 317.

Ilia Topuria Sends Cold Warning to Charles Oliveira with Stunning Training Video

Ilia Topuria is ready to beat Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 (via Imago/X)

The stage is set for UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, one of 2025’s biggest MMA events. In the main event, Ilia Topuria battles former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant 155-pound title. Topuria, a fan favorite, has already sent chilling warnings to Oliveira, promising a dominant performance under the bright Las Vegas spotlight.

It will be the second fight of Topuria’s professional career, competing in the stacked and dangerous UFC lightweight division. Ahead of the fight, ‘El Matador’ shared training pictures and videos where he appeared noticeably bigger, stronger, and more explosive. In a recent montage, Topuria looked sharp as ever and appeared eager to knock out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

Don’t forget to bring the pillow.

Ilia Topuria via Instagram

Topuria is well known for his brutal knockout power, which has remained consistent throughout his impressive and dominant UFC career run. Last year, he shocked the world by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski to win the UFC featherweight championship in stunning fashion. He then followed it up by knocking out Max Holloway, a legend known for having an unbreakable and granite chin.

Topuria initially planned to fight Islam Makhachev, but the pound-for-pound ace decided to leave the lightweight division unexpectedly. The Georgian-Spanish star mocked the Dagestani fighter for running away and recently criticized Team Khabib’s strict and authoritarian attitude. Currently, Topuria is focused on Oliveira but appears to already be looking past him with confidence.

Ilia Topuria wants to shut down the rising lightweight contender

The UFC’s lightweight division is widely regarded as the most competitive, stacked with elite fighters from top to bottom ranks. Despite the depth, Ilia Topuria remains the betting favorite, thanks to his electrifying knockout power and aggressive, entertaining style. Every fight he enters guarantees fireworks, making him a standout attraction in a division filled with world-class athletes and champions.

Ilia Topuria calls out Paddy Pimblett
Ilia Topuria calls out Paddy Pimblett (via X)

Among the contenders, Topuria’s biggest rival is undoubtedly Paddy Pimblett, who remains undefeated since joining the UFC lightweight division. The Scouser recently TKOed Michael Chandler in a breakout performance, instantly cementing himself as a serious top lightweight title contender. In a recent interview, Topuria blasted ‘Baddy’ for his antics and issued a direct challenge to settle their heated rivalry.

He’s a hypocrite. I remember we shared a press conference once, and he said something like I’m fighting on the main card and you’re on the prelims, some kind of nonsense. And now I’m thinking I’ve to belts. Where are you? Who the f**k is Paddy Pimblett right now, and why would he deserve to fight me? But the truth is, if I were to choose any fight, I would fight him because I hate him. He’s a pain in the a**.

Ilia Topuria via ESPN Deportes

The rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria began backstage at UFC London 2022 after the Brit insulted Georgian fighters online. Topuria confronted him, leading to a heated scuffle involving thrown punches and insults, caught on camera and shared widely. Since then, both fighters have continued trading barbs in interviews and on social media, fueling anticipation for a future showdown.

Going into the Charles Oliveira fight, Topuria is confident about getting his hands raised and fighting Pimblett can be his next big fight. The British star has talked about fighting Topuria next and finishing his hype inside the octagon. On the ground, both fighters are competitive, as Pimblett is widely recognized for his strong grappling and wrestling skills.

However, on the feet, Topuria clearly holds the advantage with his sharp hands, precise timing, and slick striking movement patterns. Additionally, a dominant win against Oliveira would significantly boost Topuria’s already sky-high confidence heading into a potential future showdown.

Also Read: