This Saturday, June 28, in Las Vegas during International Fight Week, the spotlight will shine on UFC 317’s main event featuring a thrilling lightweight title clash. Former champion Charles Oliveira faces the undefeated Ilia Topuria for the vacant UFC lightweight championship, setting the stage for a potential changing of the guard.

Oliveira seeks to reclaim the UFC lightweight gold he once held, a feat few fighters accomplish after losing a title. Meanwhile, Topuria aims to continue his dominance after vacating his featherweight belt earlier this year, stepping up to a new division in pursuit of continued greatness.

Comparing the Fighters: Strengths and Statistics

On paper, this bout presents a fascinating contrast between experience and youthful momentum. Ilia Topuria enters the cage undefeated with an imposing 16-0 record, showcasing his skills at 5’7

“with an orthodox stance. Conversely, Charles Oliveira holds a record of 35 wins and 10 losses, standing taller at 5’10”

while sharing the orthodox stance.

Topuria carries the advantage of youth and a spotless professional record, bringing raw power and confidence into the lightweight division. Oliveira counters with superior size, a wealth of experience, and the determination born from once being champion and seeking to reach those heights again. Age plays a significant role in MMA, especially within the lightweight class where the oldest champion to date was Sean Sherk at 33 years old. Oliveira confronts the challenge of being among the oldest lightweight contenders to attempt regaining the belt, aiming to join a rare group of fighters who reclaimed championship gold.

Topuria, still entering what many consider the prime years of his athletic career at 28, moves to a weight class where he feels physically stronger. However, he faces the toughest test of his career against a seasoned opponent with a diverse and dangerous skill set.

The Rising Force: What Ilia Topuria Brings

Ilia Topuria’s capabilities make him a formidable adversary in this matchup. As a young Georgian athlete, he has expertly blended elite grappling skills with some of the most refined boxing techniques seen in the UFC today. He boasts remarkable confidence, having decisively knocked out two of the sport’s greatest featherweights without suffering a professional loss.

Topuria’s boxing is characterized by exceptional hand speed, precise technique, and efficient movement. He skillfully cuts off the cage, closing distance rapidly and applying relentless pressure on opponents with his accurate punches. His approach to targeting the body disrupts opponents’ defensive guard, opening opportunities for fight-ending combinations.

Importantly, Topuria’s wrestling foundation remains a core element of his game. Beginning his combat journey as a grappler, he developed his striking arsenal gradually through years of MMA training. He possesses the confidence and ability to engage on the ground, which distinguishes him from previous Oliveira opponents who often avoided Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu exchanges.

Charles Oliveira’s Quest to Regain the Title

Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira faces what may be his final opportunity to once again claim UFC lightweight gold and further cement his legacy. Known for his aggressive style, Oliveira relies on imposing pressure, advancing relentlessly with a mix of powerful straight punches, tight hooks, devastating knees, and venomous elbows. Notably, he holds the record as UFC’s top submission artist, a testament to his grappling mastery.

Given Topuria’s power and youth, Oliveira must not attempt to outstrike him at range for the full duration of the fight. Instead, he needs to use his reach advantage and experience to close distance quickly, take control of positioning, and revert to the pressure-fighting style that built his career. Pushing Topuria against the cage to deliver elbows, knees, and clinch grappling trips will be vital to disrupting the younger fighter’s rhythm.

Though the odds and public perception may tilt heavily toward Topuria, Oliveira’s resilience and skill set make him a genuine threat capable of delivering a career-defining upset.

Official Betting Forecast and Predictions for UFC 317

According to DraftKings, Ilia Topuria is the heavy favorite with a moneyline of -470, while Charles Oliveira is the underdog at +360. The “over” fight duration bet sits at -145.

Despite Oliveira’s long odds, the Brazilian veteran remains a tempting underdog bet due to his proven ability to rise in critical moments. The most sound wager is backing Topuria to win inside the distance at -250, offering more value than the standard moneyline bet. For those seeking higher risk and reward, betting on a Topuria stoppage via TKO/KO at -160 or submission at +550 provides intriguing options, reflecting his versatile skill set.

There is also the possibility that Topuria, known for his striking and grappling, could finish Oliveira by submission, reversing the narrative against UFC’s submission king. The intensity of this main event promises continuous action, with both fighters expected to seek a definitive finish from the opening bell.

The UFC 317 main event represents a pivotal moment in MMA history—pitting a rising star against a seasoned legend. This fight not only determines the lightweight champion but may also shape the futures of both competitors. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely as Oliveira looks to shock the world and reclaim his place atop the division, while Topuria aims to uphold his undefeated streak and cement himself as the new champion.