Ilia Topuria is widely regarded as the favorite to achieve two-division champion status against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
Topuria, known as `El Matador`, had a brutal but brief reign as featherweight champion. After knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, he cemented his place in history by becoming the first fighter to finish Max Holloway in his sole title defense.
Now, in 2025, Topuria is embarking on a new challenge, moving up to the lightweight division after vacating his belt at 145 pounds. He`s set for an immediate chance to join the exclusive club of two-division titleholders when he battles Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 on June 28.
Looking at the betting odds, the former featherweight king is significantly favored over the former lightweight champion – a disparity that has genuinely surprised one UFC commentator.
UFC Analyst Laura Sanko Questions Why Charles Oliveira Is Being Underestimated Against Ilia Topuria
UFC color commentator Laura Sanko recently analyzed the potential main event for International Fight Week alongside Din Thomas on the One On One YouTube channel.
After pointing out Oliveira`s advantage in size and reach, Sanko expressed strong surprise at just how much of an underdog the Brazilian is perceived to be.
Watching Topuria`s past fights, such as his wins over Bryce Mitchell and Jai Herbert, Sanko identified moments and openings that she believes `Do Bronx` could potentially exploit during their clash at T-Mobile Arena.
“Should Charles Oliveira actually be favored in this fight?” Sanko questioned. “I do think (size) is going to be a factor in this fight because of the length of Charles Oliveira.”
Addressing the significant betting disparity, she continued:
“Ilia Topuria, I looked and he is a -410 favorite. Charles Oliveira is a +320 dog. Listen, I must be crazy…I have so much to say about how I think Charles can get the better of Ilia.”
While she ultimately leans towards Topuria winning, Sanko finds the current odds exceptionally skewed:
“To be clear, I do favor Ilia in this fight, but those odds to me are wild, absolutely wild. … There are moments you can think about (while watching Topuria) where you’re like, ‘You know what, if it was Charles Oliveira doing this to him…’”
Recalling a specific example, she stated:
“Like the Bryce Mitchell fight. Bryce takes him down and Bryce got some good shots on him on the feet. I was watching and I was like, ‘You know, if this was Charles Oliveira, I think he (Topuria) would be in some big trouble here.’”
Ilia Topuria Shares a Bold Prediction for His Fight Against Charles Oliveira
For his part, Topuria clearly feels the odds are justified, perhaps even believing he should be an even bigger favorite, given his immense self-confidence.
`El Matador` has a history of delivering on his confident pronouncements, notably against Volkanovski and Holloway. He has made similar bold claims ahead of his upcoming fight.
Topuria recently offered a particularly vivid and somewhat gruesome prediction regarding the damage he intends to inflict on Oliveira at UFC 317.
In a UFC promotional video, Topuria stated:
“I feel so powerful at 155.”
He then followed with a chilling forecast:
“I’m gonna touch his chin and it will explode.”
Topuria will get his opportunity to prove these confident words true in one of the anticipated title fights scheduled to conclude International Fight Week in Las Vegas. The event is also expected to feature Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight championship against Kai Kara-France.
Percy Harlow