UFC 317: Charles Oliveira predicts fireworks in lightweight title bout with Ilia Topuria - 'I don't think this fight is going the distance'
By Rhys Jones
Published 26/06/2025 at 19:13 GMT+1
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Charles Oliveira is confident he will finish UFC 317 atop the lightweight division with gold back around his waist, and does not expect his bout with Ilia Topuria to go the distance. The Brazilian holds the record for most finishes in UFC history with 20, whilst Georgian-Spanish fighter and former featherweight champion Topuria has finished six of his eight UFC wins.
Oliveira vows to walk out of UFC 317 'with my hand raised' from Topuria showdown
Video credit: TNT Sports
Charles Oliveira predicts that his UFC 317 bout with Ilia Topuria in Las Vegas will not go the distance as the Brazilian sets his sights on lightweight gold.
Oliveira has his chance for redemption and to capture the lightweight title for the second time, having been stripped of the belt and losing to Islam Makhachev for the vacant strap in 2022.
The 35-year-old holds the record for most UFC finishes with 20 and with Topuria having finished six of his eight UFC bouts, the odds are in favour of a stoppage.
"He's entitled to say whatever he wants to say and I just have a different opinion on it," Oliveira told TNT Sports in response to Topuria predicting a finish in his favour.
"It doesn't matter to me. I do believe that, no matter how it happens, I'm going to come out with my hand raised.
"He's a guy that walks forward, I'm a somebody that walks forward. I don't think this fight is going the distance. But whatever happens, I'm gonna win."
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Of his 20 finishes, 16 have been submissions, which is also a UFC record.
Now aged 35 and with 34 UFC fights under his belt, Oliveira still has the skill set to compete at a high level.
He also has "firepower" in his fists, and famously won the lightweight title with a devastating left hook that dropped Michael Chandler at UFC 262 in 2021.
"For sure, I have the firepower in my hands," he added. "I'm very ready for this fight, and I'm gonna come out with my arm raised."
The man who will stand on the other side of the cage from him on Saturday also boasts an impressive arsenal of victories.
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Relive every submission on Oliveira’s record-breaking UFC run
Video credit: TNT Sports
Topuria, who is making his return to the lightweight division for the first time since 2022, is eight months removed from his one and only featherweight title defence, in which a huge left hand sent Max Holloway hurtling to the canvas.
His lightweight debut against Jai Herbert in early 2022 also resulted in a knockout, and the Georgian-Spanish fighter is hoping his power is even more destructive in the 155-pound division.
When does UFC 317 start in the UK?
The early prelims at UFC 317 start from 23:30 UK time on Saturday, June 28.
Coverage on TNT Sports and discovery+ commences at 01:00 UK time on Sunday, June 29 with the preliminary fights before the undercard getting underway at 03:00 UK time.
You can also watch the action via UFC Fight Pass.
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