Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira were talking non-stop to each other during their first showdown ahead of UFC 317, but it appears that the business between the two fighters, who crown the new lightweight champion, was all business.
There was a lot of respect among the athletes competing in the main event, but Topuria has given up on offering a first-round finish that will be highlighted by returning to the lightweight division. Of course, Oliveira has heard it all before, so it appears he didn’t let anything go in order to get him during his return and initial exchange between fighters.
It is unknown exactly what they said to each other, but Topuria and Oliveira began their showdown in embraces, ending with a light weight waving as the staring person waving.
It does not change the size of the battle with Toplia. He wants to be the latest addition to the two division champion club after he reigns as featherweight king before giving up on the belt to move to 155 pounds.
As for Oliveira, the former champion is looking to regain his position as the sport’s best lightweight after winning already notable victories over Dustin Poirier and Justin Guettege and over Michael Chandler.
The Co-Main event at UFC 317 actually featured a much more stoic showdown as champion Alexandre Pantoja made eye contact with Kai Kara-France. While Pantoja searched for a fourth straight title defense, these two shared the most intense showdown at a pre-war press conference.
UFC 317 will go down Saturday night from T-Moble Arena in Las Vegas.