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Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira Preview

UFC 317: Ilia Topuria vs Charles Oliveira Preview Date: Saturday, 29 June 2025 Time: 01:30 AM BST Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA SportsBoom previews the highly anticipated main event at UFC 317 where undefeated featherweight champion Ilia Topuria takes on former lightweight titleholder Charles Oliveira. The clash headlines the Las Vegas card on Saturday, 29 June 2025, and brings together two elite finishers at very different stages of their careers. Topuria has yet to taste defeat and carries momentum and swagger into every walk to the Octagon. Oliveira, by contrast, brings veteran experience and a legacy full of violence. He also brings a clear warning: never count out a man with 21 submissions on his record. If you're looking to bet on the action, our MMA sports betting hub offers expert picks, trusted UFC bookmakers, and a full look at the fastest ways to back your predictions.

Joshua Gaillard
J.G.

Last updated: 2025-06-24

Chad Nagel

6 minutes read

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Ilia Topuria celebrates after a knockout victory against Max Holloway

Ilia Topuria/Getty images

Topuria Eyes Legacy, Oliveira Hunts Gold Again

Ilia Topuria doesn’t just want to win. He wants to dominate, collect belts, and build a legacy on highlight-reel knockouts. Sitting at 16-0 with names like Max Holloway on his record, he carries himself like the UFC’s next megastar. So far, the results speak for themselves.
Charles Oliveira has worn that crown before. He has faced the best, finished most of them, and rewritten the submission record books. With 21 UFC tapouts to his name, he doesn’t need much. One mistake is enough. When chaos breaks out, Oliveira is usually the one standing when it settles.
This fight is more than a title defence. It is a clash of momentum versus legacy. Topuria brings sharp pressure and clean power. Oliveira offers creativity, traps, and a ground game that still gives elite opponents nightmares. If it stays standing, Topuria controls the danger. If it hits the canvas, he enters unfamiliar territory against a man who thrives there.

Pre-Fight Odds and Win Probability: Topuria the Favourite

  1. Ilia Topuria: 1.42 (21/50) – 70.4%

  2. Charles Oliveira: 2.85 (37/20) – 29.6%
    Odds courtesy of Stake, subject to change.

    Among leading UFC bookmakers, Stake continues to offer sharp lines and competitive props for fight fans looking to place smart wagers. You can also explore our best online sports betting guide for more options.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute Ilia Topuria Charles Oliveira
Age 2835
Height 5'7" (170cm)188 cm (6’2”)
Weight 145.0 lbs (65kg) - Featherweight155.0 lbs (70kg) - Lightweight
Reach 69.0" (175cm)74.0" (188cm)
Record 16-0-0 (Win-Loss-Draw)35-10-0, 1 NC (Win-Loss-Draw)
KO/TKO 38% (6 wins)28% (10 wins)
Submission 50% (8 wins)21% (60 wins)
Decisions 13% (2 wins)11% (4 wins)

Oliveira holds the physical advantages with reach and height, but Topuria's compact build has never held him back. The striking edge leans toward Topuria's precision and power, while Oliveira dominates on the mat with the most submissions in UFC history, but do not rule out the clinical finishing prowess of the former lightweight champion. If this becomes a chess match on the ground, it is Oliveira's fight to win. But if it stays upright, Topuria can utilise the tools in his arsenal. 

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Ilia Topuria News

Topuria enters UFC 317 as the golden boy of the featherweight division. With his last two wins coming against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway who have both had a go at the lightweight division. The Georgian-born Spaniard has carved a path of destruction through the rankings. His mix of crisp boxing, aggressive pressure, and elite takedown defence makes him one of the most complete fighters in the sport right now.
What makes Topuria even more dangerous is his belief that this is just the beginning. He has openly spoken about chasing legacy fights, moving up in weight, and building a brand that transcends the UFC. But first, he needs to get past a man who has made a career out of flipping scripts.
A win over Oliveira would further solidify his claim as one of the pound-for-pound best. It would also open the door for a potential lightweight move; a division Oliveira was once crowned king of. Topuria has the youth, the form, and the momentum. What he does not yet have is experience against a submission threat like this.

Suggested Bets

Make the most of your welcome bonus by considering the selections below, each offering value based on fighter styles and recent form.

  1. Ilia Topuria – Win by KO/TKO: Topuria has serious power in both hands and a history of finishing elite opponents. Oliveira has been stopped before, and Topuria's pressure could make this another violent finish. (11/10 with Stake)

  2. Fight Doesn't Go the Distance: Both men hunt finishes and rarely leave it to the judges. The styles and stakes suggest we are not going five full rounds. (4/5 with 1xBet)

  3. Ilia Topuria – Win and Under 2.5 Rounds: If Topuria finds success early, the finish will not take long. This combo markets his power and Oliveira's defensive lapses. (13/10 with Betway)

Value Bets

High-reward punting isn’t just about taking a shot; it’s about seeing a path others might miss. 

  1. Charles Oliveira – Win by Submission: The Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace has the most subs in UFC history. If he can take Topuria down, this bet could cash in quick. (4/1 with BetWinner)

  2. Topuria – Win in Round 1: Topuria's aggression often leads to fast starts. With Oliveira's chin having shown cracks, Round 1 offers value. (7/2 with Stake)

  3. Fight to End in Round 2: If Oliveira survives the first, the second could be where Topuria seals it. This round has value for either man. (5/1 with 1xBet)

Prediction: Ilia Topuria via KO/TKO in Round 2

This is a fight between a legend and a fighter trying to build that same kind of legend. Topuria has all the tools to finish this fight early, but he must respect Oliveira's submission game. If he keeps it standing and pressures smartly, the knockout is likely. Oliveira's best shot is creating chaos, but Topuria is sharp, calm, and surgical under fire. Expect a few dangerous scrambles, but ultimately, Topuria finds the chin. Round 2 feels like the perfect time for the exclamation point.

Joshua Gaillard
Joshua Gaillard Sports Writer

Joshua Gaillard is a freelance editor and dedicated Arsenal fan, known for creating fact-based, insightful content. His work, featured on top South African websites, blends analysis with engaging storytelling for clear, impactful articles.

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