At UFC 317, Ilia Topuria, now moving from featherweight to lightweight, views this event as a pivotal moment in his career despite his hesitations. He respects Charles Oliveira as a deserving title contender but sees himself aiming for a future fight against Islam Makhachev at welterweight. Topuria's strategy for the fight involves countering Oliveira's aggressive approach while acknowledging his own need to utilize kicks in future bouts. Despite mixed feelings about the importance of this match, Topuria's ambition remains clearly set on achieving gold at multiple weight classes.
"I don't know what to tell you. It feels exactly the same to be honest." - Ilia Topuria on whether UFC 317 is his biggest fight.
"If we don't count Islam, he's the best after him." - Ilia Topuria on Charles Oliveira's status as a top lightweight.
"It would be much better for me to fight [Makhachev] at 170. And I will beat him, and get the third title." - Topuria on potential future fight.
"He's going to try to walk forward, he's not going to find a way to do it... and I'm going to make him play my game." - Topuria on Oliveira's strategy.
Collection
[
|
...
]