Tom Aspinall Admits Knockout Power Crucial in Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira Superfight

UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall chooses the better knockout artist to prevail in Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

Tom Aspinall Admits Knockout Power Crucial in Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira Superfight

Tom Aspinall believes power can overwhelm Charles Oliveira (via Imago)

One of the biggest upcoming fights in the UFC is Charles Oliveira versus Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317. It will headline the International Fight Week card and has already generated massive hype among fans and experts around the world. Going into the fight, Topuria is the current fan favorite to win against the experienced and dangerous Oliveira.

Topuria is confident about winning and has already issued several warnings toward Oliveira ahead of their UFC 317 fight. He shared training clips where he looked visibly bigger before his lightweight title fight. Many fans and experts have backed Topuria. Recently, UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall explained his reasoning for doing the same.

Love Charles but I can’t look past Topuria’s for me. Knockout power.

Tom Aspinall via X

Topuria’s brutal power and dominance were fully displayed when he knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to become the featherweight champion. He maintained composure, closed the distance, and landed a vicious right hand that dropped Volkanovski instantly, shocking fans around the world. Following that, he showcased similar precision and aggression by devastatingly finishing former champion Max Holloway.

Topuria’s ability to read opponents and unleash explosive counters makes him one of the most feared fighters in the UFC today. On top of that, ‘El Matador’ has excellent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills, making him dangerous both on the ground and standing up. He recently taunted Oliveira, offering him a choice between getting submitted or knocked out in their highly anticipated UFC showdown.

Since Oliveira is known for getting dropped in fights, Topuria views this as a perfect opportunity to finish him violently. However, the Brazilian is riding strong momentum after his last dominant win and remains confident about defeating the undefeated Topuria. Oliveira has boldly promised to give the Georgian-Spanish fighter a taste of his own medicine by knocking him out cold.

UFC insider gives behind-the-scenes of the negotiations involving Ilia Topuria, Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev

The fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira happened after the pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, vacated the lightweight title. The Dagestani left the division in order to chase his dream of getting another UFC title in the welterweight division. However, this attracted an array of criticism for Makhachev, and many accused him of running away from Topuria.

The negotiations surrounding Ilia Topuria's title shot
The negotiations surrounding Ilia Topuria’s title shot (via MMA Fighting)

On top of that, many fans blasted the UFC top brass for allegedly forcing Makhachev to vacate the title despite his dominance. Recently, during a heated conversation, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen and top MMA reporter Ariel Helwani discussed the situation thoroughly. Helwani then revealed his insider scoop, detailing what really happened behind the scenes during those controversial lightweight title negotiations.

Ilia did get a guarantee that he would be fighting for an undisputed title when he vacated his featherweight title…It had to be either Islam or a vacant belt, and that’s exactly what happened. The UFC recognizes that this guy is a megastar. You want to keep him happy….The UFC hates people walking away from a title, but there’s something they hate more — not having title fights to headline cards. That’s why we’re getting Ilia versus Charles.

Ariel Helwani via his Uncrowned Show

Following the vacation, Makhachev hinted at fighting Topuria after he settles his business in the welterweight division against Jack Della Maddalena. However, Topuria immediately dropped the idea of giving the Dagestani an immediate title shot after UFC 317. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see whether the promotion ever chases the superfight between these two superstars.

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