Max Holloway is turning his focus toward the highly anticipated matchup between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. The former UFC Featherweight Champion and current BMF Champion has a storied history tied to the UFC 317 main event, having previously defeated Charles Oliveira in 2015 and facing Ilia Topuria for the title nearly a decade later. Following his first knockout loss to Topuria at UFC 308 in October, Holloway is eager to defend his BMF title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 and hopes to reestablish himself in the title conversation against the victor of the Topuria vs. Oliveira showdown.
The vacant lightweight title fight is generating significant buzz as one of the most intriguing matchups of the year, with expert opinions divided on the outcome. Top-10 contender Mateusz Gamrot has thrown his support behind Oliveira, citing his size advantage, while inaugural BMF champion Jorge Masvidal is backing the undefeated Topuria. This has raised the question: how does Max Holloway, the current BMF titleholder, perceive the impending clash between Topuria and Oliveira?
Interestingly, Max Holloway believes that Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira might not extend beyond the first round. Both fighters boast an impressive finish rate close to 90%. Topuria remains undefeated in 16 professional fights and has only been knocked down once during his UFC tenure. In contrast, Oliveira has experienced eight finishes against him in his career, with four losses via KO/TKO and four by submission.
Holloway added, “If Ilia gets a finish or a knockout, it wouldn’t surprise me. But if Charles wins with a submission or even a finish of his own, even a knockout finish, that wouldn’t surprise me either. A lot of people are counting Charles Oliveira out, but that’s when he thrives—as the underdog. I don’t know how many times we’ve called this man out, and he somehow finds a way to win.”
In a nod to Oliveira’s resilience, Holloway remarked, “If I were a betting man on this fight, I would put my money on Charles Oliveira. He’s one of the best underdogs in the world.” This statement highlights Oliveira's ability to defy expectations and emerge victorious even when the odds are stacked against him.
On the other hand, Ilia Topuria exudes a different kind of confidence as he prepares for his title fight at UFC 317. The former featherweight champion is determined to make history by becoming one of the rare fighters to hold belts in two weight classes. Just days before the title bout, the 28-year-old Topuria was spotted during a photoshoot, proudly displaying two championship belts on his shoulders, symbolizing his aspirations.
“No one’s gonna believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself first. Living my dreams wide awake,” Topuria expressed on X, showcasing his unwavering self-belief as he heads into this pivotal matchup against Oliveira.
As the countdown to UFC 317 continues, all eyes will be on the Octagon to see whether Ilia Topuria can maintain his undefeated streak or if Charles Oliveira will once again prove the doubters wrong, making this an unforgettable event in the world of mixed martial arts.
