The countdown to UFC 317 has begun, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the year. At the center of the spotlight is a blockbuster main event: Ilia Topuria makes his lightweight debut and skips straight to a title eliminator against one of the most decorated finishers in UFC history—Charles Oliveira. And now, after weeks of relative silence, “Do Bronx” Oliveira has issued a stern warning: Ilia Topuria will be defeated in three thrilling rounds.

In a recent viral clip posted by Full Violence on TikTok, Charles Oliveira delivered a fiery message ahead of fight night. Calm but assertive, the former lightweight champion made it clear that he’s not treating Topuria as anything more than his next victim.

“It’s a great fight, he’s a great fighter. But I don’t need to prove anything to anyone about who I am. This fight came at a huge opportunity. I will knock out this guy. That’s for real.”

Ilia Topuria: Skipping the Line to Lightweight Stardom

After conquering the featherweight division, Ilia Topuria has opted to chase greatness at 155 pounds. With a perfect record and a dominant win over Alexander Volkanovski to capture the featherweight title, Topuria has rapidly emerged as one of the UFC’s most electrifying new stars.

Now, rather than easing into his new weight class, Topuria is going head-to-head with one of the most dangerous lightweights of all time. This bold move has earned him both praise and skepticism from fans and analysts alike. Can the Spaniard’s power and speed translate to a division stacked with elite finishers and veterans?

Topuria’s response? “Absolutely.”

Charles Oliveira’s Historic Resume

It’s not just confidence backing up Charles Oliveira’s bold prediction—it’s history. The Brazilian is the UFC’s all-time leader in finishes (20) and submission victories (16). His incredible run from 2020 to 2022 saw him dismantle Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje, all via finish, earning him the undisputed lightweight championship.

Even in defeat—most notably against Islam Makhachev—Oliveira has shown a warrior spirit and willingness to fight anyone, anywhere. He bounced back from that loss with a first-round TKO of Beneil Dariush, proving that “Do Bronx” remains a terrifying presence in the lightweight division.

With a well-rounded arsenal, elite-level jiu-jitsu, and ever-improving striking, Oliveira remains one of the most complete fighters in MMA today.

Three-Round War Incoming? Oliveira Thinks Not

Despite the billing of this bout as a potential Fight of the Year contender, Charles Oliveira has no intention of going to the judges’ scorecards. He believes the bout will be intense, explosive, and ultimately short-lived.

“Three rounds? I don’t see it going further. I’ll take him out before it gets there. I’ve faced killers. This is just another day at the office.”

That’s not trash talk—it’s confidence built from battling the best. Oliveira has only seen the judges once since 2018. When he steps into the Octagon, violence follows.

Topuria’s Power vs Oliveira’s Pressure

Stylistically, this is a dream matchup. Ilia Topuria brings lightning-fast hands, crisp boxing, and knockout power in both fists. He’s undefeated for a reason—he overwhelms opponents with pace and precision, often ending fights before they can fully start.

But Charles Oliveira’s pressure and durability are legendary. Unlike many fighters who backpedal under fire, Oliveira walks through punches, forces engagements, and either finishes opponents on the feet or drags them into deep waters on the ground.

The question is: can Topuria survive Oliveira’s pressure, and does he have the gas tank to last three rounds against a fighter who thrives in chaos?

Oliveira’s Message to the Critics

There’s been plenty of buzz suggesting Oliveira is past his prime. But if you ask the man himself, those critics are in for a rude awakening at UFC 317.

“People forgot. That’s okay. I’ll remind them. They said I was done before. Then I beat Chandler. They said I’d fold against Poirier. Then I submitted him. Same with Gaethje. Let’s see what they say after I stop Ilia.”

It’s not just about proving the critics wrong—it’s about reminding the world that Charles Oliveira is still very much in the title picture.

What’s at Stake at UFC 317

The UFC has not officially declared this a title eliminator, but there’s little doubt that the winner of Charles Oliveira vs Ilia Topuria will be in line for a lightweight title shot.

With Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight, the UFC lightweight title could soon be up for grabs. That opens the door for either man to stake his claim as the next undisputed champion.

• If Oliveira wins, it sets up a possible rematch with Makhachev—or perhaps a vacant title bout against another top contender.

• If Topuria wins, he has the chance to become a two-division champion—an extremely rare feat in UFC history.

UFC Fighters React to the Matchup

The MMA community is buzzing about this fight, and current and former UFC stars have weighed in on the outcome:

• Dustin Poirier: “Topuria is legit, but Charles is a monster. If he’s focused, I got Oliveira all day.”

• Justin Gaethje: “This is a banger. No way this goes five rounds. Somebody’s going to sleep.”

• Michael Bisping: “Topuria is fearless, but moving up to face a killer like Oliveira? That’s high risk, high reward.”

Can Topuria Handle the Pressure?

No one doubts Ilia Topuria’s talent, but UFC 317 presents a different kind of test. This is not just about skills—it’s about mentality. Oliveira thrives in the storm. He’s been rocked, dropped, and nearly finished multiple times in his career—only to come back and win.

Topuria, on the other hand, has rarely been tested in deep water. His rise has been meteoric, but he’s never faced an opponent with Oliveira’s pedigree.

If the fight drags into the second or third round and becomes a battle of attrition, we’ll learn more about Ilia Topuria’s heart and endurance than ever before.

Oliveira’s Final Prediction

Charles Oliveira isn’t one to mince words. He’s already visualized how the fight ends—and it’s not good news for Topuria.

“I see the opening. I know how he moves. He leaves space. I will put my hands on him and then take his neck if he survives. This is war. I live for this.”

The message is simple: prepare for fireworks.

Final Thoughts: Violence Is Guaranteed

UFC 317 is already being dubbed a must-watch event—and for good reason. You have a rising superstar in Ilia Topuria, chasing greatness, jumping divisions, and aiming to build a legacy. Standing in his way is Charles Oliveira, one of the most battle-tested, lethal fighters in MMA history.

There will be no feeling-out process. No slow build. When that cage door closes, expect chaos—and expect it early.

If Charles Oliveira is right, fans may witness a thrilling three-round war… or a violent statement that once again cements “Do Bronx” as the lightweight division’s most dangerous man.