Max Holloway is closely watching the upcoming bout between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.
The former UFC Featherweight Champion and current BMF titleholder has a history with both fighters headlining UFC 317. Holloway defeated Charles Oliveira in 2015 and, nearly a decade later, lost to Ilia Topuria in a title challenge.
Following his first career knockout loss to Topuria at UFC 308 in October, Holloway is scheduled to defend his BMF belt against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. He intends to position himself for a title shot against the winner of the Topuria vs. Oliveira contest.
The vacant lightweight title fight is widely considered one of the most compelling matchups this year, leading to divided predictions among fellow fighters. Top-10 contender Mateusz Gamrot supports Oliveira, citing a perceived size advantage, while the inaugural BMF champion Jorge Masvidal favors the undefeated Topuria.
Given these differing viewpoints, how does the current BMF champion, Max Holloway, foresee the Topuria vs. Oliveira clash unfolding?
Max Holloway Doesn’t Expect Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira to Last Beyond the First Round
Both Topuria and Oliveira possess impressive finish rates, each near 90%.
Topuria remains unbeaten in 16 professional fights and has only been significantly hurt once during his UFC tenure. Conversely, Oliveira has suffered 8 career finishes, split equally between KO/TKO and submission losses.
Holloway commented that the fight is potentially closer than many observers might believe.
“If Ilia secures a finish or a knockout, it wouldn’t catch me off guard,” Holloway stated regarding the UFC 317 main event on his YouTube channel.
“Similarly, if Charles prevails via submission or even a finish of his own, including a knockout, that also wouldn’t surprise me,” Holloway added.
“This fight is incredibly unpredictable. Many people are writing off Charles Oliveira, but that’s when he performs at his best – in the underdog position. I’ve lost track of how many times he’s been underestimated, and he consistently finds a way to victory.
“From my viewpoint, this fight will likely be decided very early, probably within the first three or four minutes of the first round. This is because Oliveira is going to absorb some strikes. Will Ilia land something that instantly puts him out, or will it merely hurt him? And if so, can Charles somehow recover and fight back? That’s the pivotal factor in this matchup. If I were placing a wager, and Charles Oliveira is listed as the underdog…
“Charles Oliveira is genuinely one of the best fighters in the world to bet on when he`s the underdog. That’s the extent of my commentary on a pick here.”
Ilia Topuria Poses with Two Belts Ahead of UFC 317 Title Fight
There`s typical confidence, and then there`s Ilia Topuria`s remarkable level of confidence.
Having vowed to ‘explode’ Oliveira’s chin, the former featherweight champion is aiming to make history at UFC 317 by becoming one of the rare fighters to hold championship belts in two weight classes, either simultaneously or consecutively.
Just days before his championship showdown, the 28-year-old Topuria was photographed during a photoshoot holding two belts on his shoulders, a clear visual representation of his aspirations.
“No one is going to believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself first. Living my dreams wide awake,” Topuria shared on X.
Percy Harlow