Drama UFC 317: Topuria Claims Oliveira is Far Behind Volkanovski and Holloway

As the countdown to UFC 317 continues, rising UFC star Ilia Topuria has sparked fresh controversy with a bold claim about his next opponent, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. In a recent interview, Topuria said he ranks Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway above Oliveira, despite preparing to fight the Brazilian legend for the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship.

With emotions already running high ahead of the title fight, Topuria’s comments have added a layer of psychological warfare — and fans are taking notice.

Topuria’s Statement: “Oliveira’s Not at Their Level”

Speaking to reporters during a media appearance in Spain, the undefeated featherweight-turned-lightweight contender did not hold back when asked to compare Charles Oliveira to the featherweight elites he once targeted.

“Volkanovski and Holloway are better fighters than Oliveira,” Topuria said. “They’re more complete, more intelligent in the Octagon, and harder to figure out. Oliveira is dangerous, of course, but he has a lot of holes.”

It’s a strong opinion, especially given that Oliveira holds the UFC record for most submission wins, and has beaten elite names like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler. But Topuria, never one to mince words, seems convinced that Oliveira doesn’t pose the same kind of challenge that Volkanovski or Holloway would.

A New Era: Topuria’s Rapid Rise to Stardom

Ilia Topuria enters UFC 317 with a perfect professional record and sky-high momentum following his dominant win over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, where he captured the featherweight title in shocking fashion. That performance cemented him as one of the most dangerous rising stars in the sport.

Now moving up in weight, Topuria sees Oliveira as the next stepping stone, not the final boss.

“I already beat the best at featherweight. I’m not here just to win a belt at lightweight — I’m here to dominate. Oliveira has a name, but I don’t believe he has the tools to stop me.”

The Oliveira Factor: A Fighter with Nothing to Prove — Or Everything

Charles Oliveira, meanwhile, is one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. With 21 finishes in the lightweight division, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt is a proven finisher who once went on a streak that included submissions and knockouts of the top five in the division.

Still, questions linger around Oliveira’s durability. His 2022 title loss to Islam Makhachev reignited concerns about his ability to handle pressure from elite grapplers and strikers. Topuria is clearly banking on those vulnerabilities.

“He breaks when you pressure him,” Topuria added. “Look at the Gaethje fight, the Makhachev fight. He’s not mentally as strong as Volkanovski or Holloway.”

While many fans revere Oliveira for his exciting style and comeback story, Topuria’s psychological edge could be the X-factor in a high-stakes showdown. It’s not just about skills — it’s about belief.

Volkanovski and Holloway: Measuring Sticks for Greatness

Ilia Topuria’s choice to highlight Volkanovski and Holloway as superior fighters is strategic. Both men are known for their cardio, fight IQ, and championship experience. Volkanovski, in particular, had dominated the featherweight division for years before Topuria dethroned him.

“Volkanovski is like a machine. He never gives you space. Holloway overwhelms you with volume. Those are fights where you have to be perfect. With Oliveira, I just have to be smart.”

It’s clear Topuria respects his past opponents more than his next one. Whether that’s based in fact or simply gamesmanship, it sets the tone for a battle of contrasting styles: Oliveira’s jiu-jitsu and aggression vs. Topuria’s precision and confidence.

What’s at Stake at UFC 317

UFC 317 will crown a new lightweight champion, and with Islam Makhachev now campaigning for welterweight super fights, the title picture is wide open.

For Topuria, a win would make him a two-division champion — a status that would instantly catapult him into all-time great conversations. For Oliveira, it’s a chance to reclaim the throne and prove that he’s still one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.

Topuria’s comments have only raised the stakes:

• If he wins: He’ll be able to say he predicted it all along — and that Oliveira was never on the level of the other champions.

• If he loses: His words will haunt him, and Oliveira will gain poetic revenge by beating a brash young champion who underestimated him.

Fan and Fighter Reactions: Respect or Disrespect?

Unsurprisingly, Topuria’s ranking of Oliveira behind Volkanovski and Holloway has sparked fierce debate. On social media, opinions are split.

Some fans agree with Topuria, pointing to Oliveira’s history of getting dropped or overwhelmed in fights. Others see it as blatant disrespect to a man who holds wins over elite names and has an incredible finishing rate.

Even some fighters have weighed in.

“You don’t sleep on a guy like Charles,” tweeted Justin Gaethje. “He’s made people pay for that before.”

Meanwhile, UFC commentator Michael Bisping defended Topuria’s confidence:

“Ilia’s earned the right to say what he wants. He’s not just talking — he’s delivering.”

The Mental Game: Topuria’s Psychological Warfare

Ilia Topuria is no stranger to mental warfare. He’s used sharp words and bold predictions to build hype and get inside the heads of his opponents. Ahead of UFC 298, he mocked Volkanovski’s age and insisted he would end the fight in one round. The result? A shocking second-round knockout.

Could the same thing happen to Oliveira?

If Topuria gets under the Brazilian’s skin, he may be able to force mistakes or reckless aggression — exactly the kind of fight the Spaniard thrives in. And if Oliveira stays calm, it could set up a classic striker-vs-submission artist chess match.

Final Prediction: Confidence vs Experience

UFC 317 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing matchups of the year. Ilia Topuria’s meteoric rise has captured the attention of fans worldwide, and his decision to rank Volkanovski and Holloway above Oliveira adds fuel to an already burning fire.

Whether it’s a calculated mind game or genuine assessment, Topuria’s comments put pressure squarely on himself. He’s not just expected to win — he’s expected to dominate. And Charles Oliveira, written off by some as a fading force, now has every reason to prove his doubters wrong.

One thing’s for sure: when the cage door closes at UFC 317, there will be no talking, no ranking — only fighting. And whether or not Topuria’s rankings hold up, the only number that will matter is the one in the win column.