Roy Jones Jr. Reveals ‘Secret Weapon’ for Topuria: Will Oliveira Survive UFC 317?

As the MMA world gears up for UFC 317, the spotlight is shining brighter than ever on Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian sensation set to face Charles Oliveira in a blockbuster Lightweight title fight. But just when it seemed the stakes couldn’t get any higher, a boxing icon has stepped into the conversation—offering Topuria a potentially game-changing alliance.

In a move that stunned both boxing and MMA fans, Roy Jones Jr., one of the most legendary names in the sport of boxing, expressed a clear desire to join Topuria’s training camp. With Topuria seeking to become a two-division UFC champion, a collaboration with a striking mastermind like Jones could have massive implications for the outcome of UFC 317.

Roy Jones Jr. Offers to Join Ilia Topuria’s Camp

In an exclusive interview with Prime Casino, Roy Jones Jr. revealed his interest in coaching Topuria, emphasizing his ability to enhance the 27-year-old’s striking precision and footwork.

“I teach how to get the most out of the striking, how to stay set while you’re doing it. Because in MMA you gotta always be set because guys can take your legs out, but the way I fight, you always stay set,” Jones explained.

That philosophy could mesh well with Topuria’s aggressive, boxing-heavy style, especially as he prepares to face a submission specialist like Oliveira, who’s also dangerous on the feet.

A Match Made in Combat Heaven?

Roy Jones Jr. isn’t just any coach. He’s widely regarded as one of the most innovative and unorthodox boxers of all time. With titles in four weight classes and highlight reels full of no-look hooks and counter-knockouts, Jones’ approach could offer Topuria an edge that goes far beyond the fundamentals.

Jones has previous MMA coaching experience, having trained Mike Perry and even returning to the ring in 2023 against former UFC champ Anthony Pettis. Despite losing on the scorecards, the fight demonstrated that Jones is still highly engaged in combat sports and eager to bridge the worlds of boxing and MMA.

Why This Offer Is Perfect Timing for Topuria

Ilia Topuria has already made headlines for his unexpected departure from the Climent Club, parting ways with longtime coaches Jorge and Agustín Climent in Alicante, Spain. With UFC 317 just around the corner, fans were left wondering who would now lead Topuria’s training.

That question may have just been answered. A Roy Jones Jr.-Topuria pairing brings instant credibility, experience, and a fresh perspective to a fighter already known for his elite boxing skill.

Ilia Topuria’s Style: Why Jones Jr. Could Be the Missing Piece

Topuria’s most dangerous weapon has always been his boxing IQ and knockout power. His ability to maintain pressure while slipping punches and countering has made him a nightmare for featherweights—and now Lightweights.

Under Roy Jones Jr., Topuria could:

• Sharpen his angles and timing

• Learn to bait and counter with more deception

• Improve balance while staying grounded against takedowns

• Develop power-punch setups inspired by Jones’ legendary combinations

This could help neutralize Oliveira’s offense, especially if Topuria is able to stay just outside the pocket and pick Charles apart with clean, crisp boxing.

Charles Oliveira: Still a Threat on the Feet

While Oliveira is best known for his record-setting UFC submission victories (16), fans often overlook that he’s become a dangerous striker in his own right. Under Diego Lima, Oliveira’s Muay Thai has evolved, allowing him to knock out opponents like Michael Chandler and Jared Gordon.

Topuria cannot afford to take that lightly. Having Roy Jones Jr. in his corner could make the difference in winning those tight stand-up exchanges, where the fight could be decided in a split second.

Roy Jones Jr.’s Legacy Adds Gravity to UFC 317

This isn’t just a celebrity endorsement. Roy Jones Jr. is considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers of all time. During his career, he:

• Captured titles from Middleweight to Heavyweight

• Defeated legends like James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, and John Ruiz

• Was the first former middleweight champion in 100+ years to win a Heavyweight title

• Was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame

Now, with an eye on the evolution of MMA striking, Jones is looking to leave a new legacy—as a coach.

“If I can give these guys the tools to succeed where it matters most—on the feet—then I know I’m helping them evolve,” he once said about coaching in MMA.

The MMA World Reacts: Is This the Edge Topuria Needs?

As news of the offer spread, MMA fans and analysts immediately started speculating about what this means for UFC 317.

“If Topuria brings in Roy Jones Jr., he’s not just making a statement—he’s making a power move,” said ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

“This could give him a striking edge over Oliveira that no one saw coming,” tweeted MMA Junkie.

Topuria has not officially responded to the offer, but insiders suggest he’s seriously considering the opportunity—especially given the vacancy left by his former team.

Strategic Implications: How Jones Could Help Beat Oliveira

To understand how this could impact the fight, let’s break down Oliveira’s striking vulnerabilities:

• Predictable forward pressure: Oliveira walks opponents down but can be caught by crisp counters.

• Inconsistent head movement: While aggressive, he often absorbs damage early in fights.

• Reliance on recovery: Oliveira has survived knockdowns before—but against a finisher like Topuria, that may be risky.

Jones Jr.’s coaching could help Topuria:

• Use lateral movement and angles to frustrate Oliveira’s forward pressure.

• Stay poised and planted when throwing combinations.

• Pick his moments with precision, rather than overcommitting and risking grappling exchanges.

What’s at Stake for Topuria at UFC 317

Let’s not forget: this is Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight debut, and it’s already a title fight. The stakes are enormous:

• A win makes him a two-division UFC champion

• A loss stalls his momentum and leaves questions about his ceiling at 155

• A win over Oliveira likely sets up a superfight with Islam Makhachev

This is Topuria’s moment to transition from “rising star” to MMA megastar. Every edge—mental, technical, strategic—matters.

The Fusion of Boxing and MMA: New Era for Training Camps

The modern MMA fighter isn’t just blending disciplines—they’re evolving them. Topuria has often said that boxing is his base, and who better to help him elevate it than Roy Jones Jr.?

The sport has already seen great crossovers:

• Trevor Wittman’s boxing expertise transformed Kamaru Usman

• Mark Henry’s boxing foundations helped build champions like Frankie Edgar

A Roy Jones Jr. collaboration would be another significant milestone in the fusion of boxing and MMA training.

Will Topuria Accept the Offer?

As of now, Topuria has yet to publicly confirm or deny the potential partnership. But sources close to his camp suggest that conversations are ongoing.

“It would be a massive asset to have Roy Jones in his corner. The offer is on the table, and it’s real,” said one insider.

If Topuria does accept, it would likely be announced two to three weeks before UFC 317, possibly during fight week interviews or embedded videos.

Conclusion: Roy Jones Jr. Could Be the X-Factor in Topuria’s Title Quest

The fight was already exciting. Now, with Roy Jones Jr. offering to join Ilia Topuria’s camp, UFC 317 has taken on an entirely new layer of intrigue.

If “El Matador” chooses to sharpen his already dangerous hands under the guidance of a boxing legend, he could enter the Octagon with a new level of striking mastery. And that might be exactly what it takes to dismantle Charles Oliveira and claim UFC gold in a second weight class.