Topuria Challenges Oliveira at UFC 317: Round 1 Ends with a Submission – Is This a Joke?

Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian sensation, is not here to play games. At UFC 317, he steps into the Octagon aiming to do the unthinkable: finish submission master Charles Oliveira in Round 1—and with a submission of his own. Sounds like a joke? Think again.

Ilia Topuria: The New Face of Violence

Topuria (16-0) has rapidly become one of the most feared finishers in the UFC. Known as “El Matador,” he’s torn through the featherweight division, capturing the title with emphatic wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. With his transition to lightweight, he’s making bold statements—statements that include finishing Charles Oliveira, the UFC’s all-time leader in submission victories.

“What do you prefer, submitting him or knocking him out?” Topuria wrote on social media, sending fans into a frenzy. That level of confidence has sparked both excitement and skepticism. Can he really do what no other fighter has dared to try—submitting Charles Oliveira in the very first round?

Charles Oliveira: The Submission King

Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC) isn’t just any opponent. He holds the UFC record for most submission wins (16) and has finished some of the best fighters in the world, including Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, and Justin Gaethje. Even when rocked, Oliveira has always found a way to pull opponents into his web of chokes, armbars, and guillotines.

To suggest that he’ll be finished in the first round—and by submission—has many calling Topuria’s claim ridiculous, delusional, or at best, wildly ambitious.

But that’s the kind of swagger Topuria brings to the game.

UFC 317: The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

Set to headline UFC 317 on June 28, Topuria vs. Oliveira closes out International Fight Week in Las Vegas with fireworks guaranteed. With Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight to chase a historic third title against Jack Della Maddalena, the vacant lightweight championship is up for grabs. For Topuria, it’s the chance to become a two-division champion just months after claiming gold at 145 pounds.

If he pulls this off, Topuria will make UFC history—and probably break the internet in the process.

What Makes Topuria Dangerous

Topuria’s game isn’t just power and pressure. He’s a complete fighter. His resume includes:

• 8 submission wins

• 6 KO/TKO finishes

• Only two decision victories in 16 fights

• Wins over elite names like Volkanovski, Holloway, and Bryce Mitchell

And let’s not forget, he’s never lost.

While many of his submissions came before his UFC tenure, Topuria’s grappling has proven elite inside the Octagon as well. Against Oliveira, the key will be to hurt him early and capitalize on transitions—something few dare to attempt.

Oliveira’s Motivation and Mission

After losing his title to Makhachev and bouncing back with a TKO over Beneil Dariush, Oliveira is on a mission to reclaim the belt he never lost in the cage. Many believe he was prematurely written off after the Makhachev loss, and defeating an undefeated phenom like Topuria would be the ultimate way to silence critics.

Oliveira’s experience, grit, and submission arsenal are unmatched. He’s been in 45 pro fights. He’s seen everything. Or so we thought—until Ilia Topuria arrived.

Will Topuria Regret the Trash Talk?

Fans love Topuria’s bravado, but there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance—especially when you’re calling out a fighter who’s been drowning opponents with jiu-jitsu since Topuria was a teenager.

Still, no one can deny that Ilia Topuria is a different breed. His calm, calculated aggression is paired with world-class skill. If anyone can make a wild prediction look prophetic, it’s him.

Prediction or Provocation?

Is this just Topuria selling the fight? Or does he really believe he can do what legends like Poirier, Chandler, and Gaethje couldn’t?

The reality is this: Topuria vs. Oliveira is one of the most unpredictable fights in recent UFC history. Styles make fights—and both men bring elite skill sets that could lead to a first-round finish.

The only question is: who finishes who?

Final Thoughts: A Star is Born or a Humbling Awaits

At UFC 317, the spotlight will be on Ilia Topuria. He’s already shocked the world once by dethroning Volkanovski. If he finishes Charles Oliveira in Round 1, especially by submission, he’ll launch himself into rarefied air—possibly even into GOAT conversations.

But if he fails, or worse, gets caught in one of Oliveira’s signature chokes, the hype train could be derailed before it ever hits top speed.

Either way, don’t blink. Because when Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira collide, history is inevitable.