During their initial faceoff ahead of UFC 317, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira engaged in continuous conversation. The exchange appeared business-like between the two fighters slated for a significant lightweight bout.
Despite the respect displayed by the main event participants, Topuria has consistently declared his intention to secure a decisive first-round finish upon his return to the lightweight category. Oliveira, having faced numerous opponents and predictions before, appeared unfazed by Topuria`s bold statements during their exchange.
Although the exact words exchanged remain unknown, the faceoff began with Topuria and Oliveira embracing and concluded with the lightweights shaking hands, indicating a clear absence of genuine animosity between them.
Nevertheless, the fight holds significant importance. Topuria aims to join the exclusive club of two-division champions, potentially adding a lightweight title to his current featherweight championship reign.
Meanwhile, former champion Charles Oliveira aims to solidify his standing among the lightweight elite, boasting an impressive record with significant wins over Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and two victories against Michael Chandler.
In contrast to the main event, the co-main event faceoff at UFC 317 was notably more reserved, featuring champion Alexandre Pantoja and challenger Kai Kara-France. These two had previously shared an intense staredown during the pre-fight press conference. Pantoja seeks his fourth consecutive title defense, while Kara-France looks to secure an upset victory in his first attempt to claim UFC gold.
UFC 317 is scheduled for Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card will air on ESPN+ pay-per-view, starting at 10 p.m. ET.
