Kamaru Usman recently shared insights on the approach Charles Oliveira should take in his UFC 317 fight against Ilia Topuria for the vacant lightweight title. Usman emphasized that Oliveira must capitalize on his strengths by avoiding wild striking battles and instead rely on strategic positioning and grappling to secure victory.
Usman Highlights Importance of Footwork in Oliveira’s Plan
<pDuring his Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman outlined why Oliveira’s footwork will be crucial when facing Topuria. He stressed that Oliveira should focus on maintaining control of the fight's location and avoid engaging in Toledo’s explosive striking exchanges. Usman pointed out:
“I think it’s the footwork because Charles has been really, really great with stepping on guys. He just marches forward towards them and says, ‘I’m gonna throw’. You need to try to create separation here. So, you’re gonna try to get out and in the process of you getting out, I’m either going to catch you with something or I’m already in the wheelhouse where I’m gonna hold on to you, we’re gonna be grappling.”
—Kamaru Usman, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
By using his footwork effectively, Oliveira can position himself to either land significant strikes or clinch with Topuria to take the fight to the ground, where Oliveira holds a clear advantage.
Staying Outside and Controlling the Pace Could Foil Topuria’s Aggression
Usman further advised that Oliveira must use his octagon experience to stay on the outside while managing the fight‘s rhythm. Topuria, often willing to engage aggressively from the start, poses a danger in early stand-up exchanges. Usman explained:
“Ilia Topuria is the guy that’s willing to come out there first ten seconds and go, ‘Hey, you want to meet in the center? And let’s throw hands’. [Oliveira’s] got to move his feet, stay on the outside, and drag the fight on and let the experience start to show. Let’s see if [Topuria] makes mistakes.”
—Kamaru Usman, Former UFC Welterweight Champion
By avoiding Topuria’s preferred brawling style early on, Oliveira can potentially capitalize on any errors made by the younger fighter, using his seasoned grappling skills to turn the tide.
Context Around the UFC 317 Lightweight Championship Battle
Oliveira, known as “do Bronx,” has gained immense popularity following his knockout wins over elite fighters like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Despite this, oddsmakers view Topuria as a strong favorite heading into UFC 317, largely due to his striking prowess and momentum as a rising star.
In this high-stakes title bout, Oliveira’s ability to execute a disciplined strategy centered on footwork and grappling appears to be the critical element for him to reclaim the lightweight championship. Usman’s breakdown suggests that success in this fight hinges on Oliveira’s capacity to dictate where and how the fight unfolds.