Charles Oliveira is set to compete in the main event of UFC 317, where he hopes to reclaim the UFC Lightweight title. The Brazilian fighter will face undefeated contender Ilia Topuria in a bout that also offers Oliveira a chance to equal Jim Miller’s record for the most submission wins in the UFC Lightweight division.
This title fight materialized after Islam Makhachev vacated the lightweight championship, leaving the division without a champion and two top fighters vying for the vacant belt.
Seeking to Surpass Jim Miller’s Submission Achievements in the Lightweight Division
In addition to the title stakes, UFC 317 presents Oliveira the opportunity to challenge one of the division‘s long-standing submission records. Currently, Oliveira holds ten submission victories, ranking him second in UFC Lightweight history. His professional record stands strong at 35 wins, one loss, and one draw.
Oliveira’s submission skills were evident early in his career, notably when he forced Darren Elkins to submit to a triangle armbar in just 41 seconds. His adeptness on the ground was further showcased in his title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 269, earning him a performance of the night honor.
Despite these achievements, Oliveira trails Jim Miller by a single submission win. Interestingly, Miller handed Oliveira his only UFC submission loss via knee bar at UFC 124. Oliveira avenged that defeat in 2018 by quickly securing a rear-naked choke against Miller, forcing a tap just over a minute into their fight.
While Oliveira aims to match Miller’s submission record, doing so will require overcoming the challenge that Topuria presents in the upcoming event.
Facing an Unbeaten Opponent: Oliveira vs. Topuria at UFC 317
Ilia Topuria, with a perfect 16-0 record, stands as Oliveira’s biggest test at UFC 317. The Georgian fighter has finished his last two fights by knockout, including a significant victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308, after which he vacated the UFC Featherweight title to move up to lightweight.
Topuria originally aimed to challenge Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, but Makhachev’s decision to vacate the belt opened the door for this matchup. Ranked number two in the division, Oliveira now faces the undefeated contender for the vacant championship.
This fight pits Oliveira’s experience and submission prowess against Topuria’s youth and unbeaten streak. To reclaim the lightweight title and match the submission record held by Miller, Oliveira will need a commanding performance against the rising star.
Significance of UFC 317 for Oliveira and the Lightweight Division
The outcome of UFC 317 carries substantial weight for both Oliveira’s legacy and the lightweight division’s landscape. A victory would not only restore Oliveira as champion but also see him tie a major divisional record for submissions, underscoring his grappling dominance in the UFC.
For Topuria, the bout represents a chance to claim his first UFC title and maintain his undefeated status, potentially marking him as a prominent force in the division’s future. This battle will shape the trajectory of the lightweight class and highlight two contrasting paths to championship success.