Few experts anticipate the fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira to last the full distance at UFC 317. Both fighters are known for their impressive finishing rates, each with nearly 90% of their bouts ending before the final bell. Oliveira holds the record for most submissions in UFC history, while Spain’s Topuria enters this fight off consecutive knockout wins against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski and BMF titleholder Max Holloway.

Although Oliveira is considered the underdog in this matchup, several former champions, including Jorge Masvidal and Aljamain Sterling, have expressed confidence in Topuria’s knockout power. This sentiment is widely shared among fighters predicting the aspiring champion’s success in capturing a second title this weekend.

Israel Adesanya Endorses Topuria’s Chances to Stop Oliveira Early

Israel Adesanya, the former UFC Middleweight Champion, has shifted his outlook on Ilia Topuria following the Spaniard’s dominant performances over Volkanovski and Holloway. Once skeptical, Adesanya now respects Topuria’s skills and sees him as a formidable threat to Oliveira.

To beat two of the greatest featherweights of all time, back-to-back. It’s hard to doubt a guy like that again,

Adesanya remarked about Topuria.

On Oliveira, Adesanya voiced concern over the Brazilian’s defense, pointing out that Oliveira has been knocked down multiple times in recent fights and was notably hurt in his last contest against Michael Chandler.

If he wants to go forward straight away, he’s gonna get caught,

Adesanya warned.

He believes Topuria’s sharp striking and timing will present serious challenges for Oliveira, who will need strong footwork to avoid vulnerability. Adesanya is also curious about how Oliveira’s grappling will fare against Topuria, as no one has thoroughly tested the Spaniard’s ground game yet.

In this fight, I’m gonna go Ilia Topuria, I’m gonna go by knockout,

Adesanya confidently predicted.

I don’t know what round, but for me it’s just because Charles, he gets touched too much for my liking, so I just think Ilia will find the shot, I think pretty early if Charles decides to just be aggressive like he says and push forward, and then if he gets hurt, Ilia will find that shot again.

Adesanya Seeks UFC Comeback and Rematch with Sean Strickland

Meanwhile, in the middleweight division, Adesanya is focused on returning to form after a difficult stretch. He lost his UFC Middleweight title for the second time in September 2023, succumbing to Sean Strickland by unanimous decision. Following that defeat, Adesanya was submitted by champion Dricus du Plessis and knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov in February.

Adesanya has expressed a strong desire to face Strickland again, aiming for a return to competition in September or October. However, he stated that Strickland has yet to respond to his calls for a rematch.

He’s the only one I want, but he hasn’t responded,

Adesanya revealed on the Ariel Helwani Show.

Implications for the UFC Featherweight Division

The Topuria versus Oliveira fight carries significant stakes for the featherweight championship landscape. Should Topuria secure a quick knockout, it would solidify his status as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders and potentially set the stage for new title matchups. Oliveira’s approach and ability to avoid early damage will be crucial in determining whether he can reclaim momentum or if Topuria’s rising star will continue its ascent unchallenged.