“It’s gonna be very quick” Ilia Topuria Promises Rapid Finish Against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317

Ilia Topuria promises to end former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in the first round at UFC 314.

“It’s gonna be very quick” Ilia Topuria Promises Rapid Finish Against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317

Ilia Topuria won't take much time finishing Charles Oliveira (via X)

Ilia Topuria is currently on a two-fight knockout streak and is looking forward to continuing it at UFC 317. This Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena, the Georgian-Spanish will take on former champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. As expected, going into the fight, Topuria has channeled his inner ‘Mystic Mac’ and made some predictions about the results.

Topuria is famous for confidently making bold statements and predictions against his opponents before every fight begins. Fans admire his ability to back his trash talk with dominant performances whenever he steps inside the UFC octagon. Recently, in a UFC interview, Topuria discussed Oliveira’s possible strategies and confidently mentioned securing an early, decisive finish.

From the first second, he’s going to feel the speed and the power. He’s going to start to look for the takedowns and for the ground game. But I think that it’s going to be very, very quick, because I’m going to finish him in the first two or three minutes. When that happens, I’m too much for my opponents. I’m too good for them.

In his last fight against Max Holloway, Topuria promised to stand and trade strikes right from the opening bell. Topuria kept his word and engaged, but Holloway chose to back away instead of fully committing to the exchange. Although Holloway survived the first two rounds, Topuria eventually found his chin and finished the fight in the third.

It will be interesting to see whether Topuria can secure an even quicker finish against Oliveira this time. Oliveira has already mentioned that he believes he has an advantage with BJJ and will use it against Topuria. But the former featherweight has often mentioned that he’s a better grappler than striker, and it might be put to the test this Saturday.

Despite his usual trash talking, Topuria holds no personal grudge and respects Charles Oliveira’s valuable contributions to the UFC legacy. Topuria made it clear that admiration will not prevent him from unleashing his full power inside the octagon. Ahead of UFC 317, Topuria is the fan favourite as many experts don’t see any way for Oliveira to win.

Charles Oliveira will not back down against Ilia Topuria

Charles Oliveira’s reign as the UFC lightweight champion was brief, but it delivered thrilling fights and unforgettable moments for MMA fans. His humble story and genuine personality deeply resonated with fans, despite his limited ability to communicate in English in interviews. Now, at 35 years old, the Brazilian warrior is determined to bounce back and reclaim his lost championship glory.

Charles Oliveira is afraid of Ilia Topuria
Charles Oliveira is afraid of Ilia Topuria (via Imago)

“The champion has a name and it’s Charles Oliveira.” This is what the fighter always said and believed before fighting. Despite being the underdog, ‘Do Bronx’ isn’t scared of Topuria and his godly knockout power. In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Oliveira shared his straightforward game plan to win the belt.

I’m gonna push forward, I’m gonna walk forward. I’m the problem in this division. I am a lion, and I’m not gonna back down.

Oliveira is famous for getting hit and then intentionally lying on his back to bait opponents into dangerous ground exchanges. This clever tactic successfully worked against elite contenders like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje in their intense championship battles.

However, against Islam Makhachev, the strategy failed as Makhachev capitalized and secured a submission victory over the Brazilian. Against Ilia Topuria, willingly getting hit could be a high-risk move that Oliveira might seriously regret attempting.