Charles Oliveira’s daring and thrilling fighting style is A significant potential concern for Ilia Topuria

As the countdown to UFC 317 intensifies, one of the most highly anticipated title fights of the year looms large — Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria for the vacant UFC lightweight title. Set for June 28 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this explosive showdown pits the all-action Brazilian legend against the undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom.

But amid the growing excitement, UFC analyst and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has issued a serious warning: Charles Oliveira’s thrilling fighting style may become his downfall.

Ilia Topuria Is “Overflowing with Confidence” Ahead of UFC 317

Ilia Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) has been nothing short of sensational in his UFC rise. Fresh off brutal back-to-back knockout wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway — both at featherweight — Topuria now returns to lightweight brimming with confidence.

And according to Bisping, Topuria’s belief in himself is unshakable.

“If you ask Ilia Topuria, this is just a mere formality because he is going to touch the chin of ‘Do Bronx,’ he’s going to touch Charles, and his chin will explode,” said Bisping on his YouTube channel.

This quote highlights the intensity and confidence Topuria brings to every fight. He isn’t coming into UFC 317 hoping to edge out a decision — he believes he will finish Charles Oliveira in devastating fashion.

Charles Oliveira: Excitement Personified… but Vulnerable

Charles Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) is already a legendary name in UFC history. With the most finishes and bonuses of any fighter on the roster, “Do Bronx” is a fan favorite whose fights never fail to deliver.

But Bisping fears Oliveira’s trademark aggression could cost him dearly against a technically polished and power-laden opponent like Topuria.

“Charles ‘Do Bronx’ Oliveira is an exciting fighter,” said Bisping. “He is one of the best in the division and one of the most exciting, but it’s the exciting style that he has that will give me cause for concern if I was coaching Charles.”

It’s a valid concern. Oliveira’s aggressive forward pressure — often resembling a “buzzsaw” approach — has led to unforgettable victories. But it’s also left him open to damage. In previous fights, Oliveira was dropped by Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje before rallying to finish each of them.

“The way that he walks forward like a buzzsaw with reckless abandon, the not-giving-a-damn attitude, it’s beautiful to watch. It’s very, very entertaining,” Bisping explained. “But it’s that reckless style that might get him clipped.”

Oliveira’s “Chute Boxe” Style Is Double-Edged

A proud representative of the famed Chute Boxe Academy, Oliveira embodies the gym’s violent, forward-charging style. Elbows, knees, wild flurries — he throws everything, often overwhelming opponents with sheer chaos.

But Bisping believes that this very style — though thrilling — creates openings that Topuria is more than capable of exploiting.

“He’s throwing knees, he’s throwing elbows, he’s throwing everything but the kitchen sink,” said Bisping. “We absolutely love it, but that’s got him in trouble before.”

And against a sharp, composed striker like Topuria, Bisping argues that leaving the chin exposed is a dangerous game.

“Charles Oliveira… the head’s on a straight line, and the chin’s a little up,” he observed.

This flaw could prove costly — especially when facing someone with Topuria’s fight IQ and killer instinct.

Ilia Topuria: Clean, Composed, and Calculated

In sharp contrast to Oliveira’s wildness, Ilia Topuria is known for his composure and precision. Despite his knockout power, Topuria rarely wastes energy. He stalks his opponents, dissects them, then strikes with terrifying efficiency.

“Ilia Topuria, on the flip side, he’s clean. He’s composed, calm, he’s in the moment,” Bisping said.

That contrast in styles is why Bisping views this matchup as a fascinating — and dangerous — one for Oliveira.

“The hands are high, the base is low. The head is moving constantly and he’s looking at his opponent, tracking him across the octagon.”

Topuria, in Bisping’s eyes, is a methodical hunter, corralling his prey before delivering the knockout blow. He’s technical and explosive, and never out of position.

“He’s using the feet to corral him against the fence. He’s looking for openings and then he explodes.”

And when Ilia Topuria explodes, the outcome is usually a brutal finish.

Topuria’s Power and Timing Could Spell Disaster for Oliveira

What makes this matchup particularly concerning for Oliveira fans is Topuria’s extraordinary knockout power, combined with his ability to find his target with perfect timing.

Unlike many brawlers who rely on flurries, Topuria picks his shots with sniper-like precision.

“When he explodes, we know he’s got big power. He might explode the chin of Charles Oliveira,” Bisping warned.

That statement isn’t hyperbole. Topuria has built a reputation for devastating knockouts. And against an opponent like Oliveira — who’s often willing to take damage in order to give it — that could be a fight-ending flaw.

The Stakes: UFC Lightweight Supremacy on the Line

This fight isn’t just about two stars clashing. It’s for the vacant UFC lightweight championship, a belt previously held by Islam Makhachev before he announced a move to welterweight earlier this year.

That means legacy and history are on the line. Oliveira, already one of the most accomplished lightweights ever, has a chance to reclaim gold. Topuria, undefeated and rising fast, could become a two-division threat if he wins.

But the risks are enormous — especially for Oliveira.

“It’s a beautiful, violent style,” Bisping noted, “but it might not be the wisest style against someone as dangerous as Ilia Topuria.”

Can Oliveira Make the Adjustments?

One big question heading into UFC 317: Will Charles Oliveira adjust his approach?

While he’s known for his aggression, Oliveira is also a highly intelligent and seasoned fighter. He’s evolved over the years, especially since his transition from featherweight. But will he temper his natural instincts to better match Topuria’s precision?

If not, Bisping fears the worst.

“Nobody will be booing when Charles Oliveira fights,” Bisping admitted. “But that reckless style might get him clipped.”

The Brazilian is more than capable of pulling off a dramatic finish — but Topuria’s timing and power leave no room for defensive lapses.

A Clash of Chaos and Control

In many ways, Oliveira vs. Topuria is a perfect stylistic clash.

It’s chaos vs. control.

Raw violence vs. technical destruction.

The brawler vs. the technician.

And according to Bisping, that makes it one of the most dangerous fights of Oliveira’s career.

“The man’s excitement personified… but he takes a lot of chances.”

Those chances have brought Oliveira to the pinnacle of the sport. But they may also be the reason he falls short against Ilia Topuria.

Final Thoughts: Fireworks or a Cautionary Tale?

There’s no question that UFC 317’s main event will deliver fireworks. With two finishers, both hungry for the title, the bout will likely not go the distance.

But Michael Bisping’s cautionary insight serves as a reminder: while Charles Oliveira is beloved for his reckless aggression, that style could be his undoing against someone as technically sharp and powerful as Ilia Topuria.

Oliveira has the tools to win. He has the heart. He has the legacy.

But if he walks forward with “reckless abandon” — as Bisping warns — he may find himself on the wrong end of Ilia Topuria’s most devastating knockout yet.