Charles Oliveira faces Ilia Topuria in the UFC 317 main event, with former UFC star Chael Sonnen predicting a TKO victory for the Brazilian veteran over the undefeated lightweight contender
Chael Sonnen predicts Charles Oliveira will finish Ilia Topuria at UFC 317
Ahead of the UFC 317 main event, former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has publicly picked Charles Oliveira to defeat undefeated contender Ilia Topuria. The lightweight bout headlines International Fight Week at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sonnen expressed his concerns about Topuria's recent move up to the lightweight division, suggesting that the Spanish-Georgian fighter has not undergone the typical physical and mental adversity associated with cutting weight. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen addressed what he sees as a key issue heading into the bout.
Also read: UFC 317 results prediction: Who will be winner on Saturday night?
“Size does matter your first time up, and my concern with Ilia’s interview is he keeps talking about how much he’s enjoying 155lbs,” Sonnen said. “Suffering is a big part of this game. ‘Have I sacrificed more than that guy? Do I deserve to win?’ He has foregone some of the suffering and some of the sacrifice, and I think Charles is going to wear on him.”
Sonnen added that despite Topuria’s power and early finish potential, Oliveira’s durability and pace will likely overwhelm the challenger. “I think this concept of knocking Charles out is novel, but it’s a very difficult thing to do. I’ve seen people get very close, I’ve seen Charles down, and I just think Charles is going to walk through that fire,” he continued. “I am taking Charles Oliveira by TKO.”
Fighter claims he gave Ilia Topuria his toughest UFC matchup to date
While Charles Oliveira presents a significant test for Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, another UFC competitor has suggested that he gave Topuria his most difficult Octagon experience to date.
During a recent press conference, the unnamed fighter stated he went the distance with Topuria and was the only one to push him to the final bell. The identity of the fighter was not confirmed in the footage, but the statement adds further intrigue to Topuria’s ongoing rise through the ranks.
Also read: Jacobe Smith defeats Niko Price by rear-naked choke at UFC 317, avoids historic upset
Topuria, who has looked dominant in previous appearances, is favored by some analysts and fighters, including Brendan Schaub, who believes he will stop Oliveira within two rounds. However, opinions remain divided heading into the high-stakes lightweight contest.
The UFC 317 card is headlined by two title fights, with the co-main event featuring flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his belt against Kai Kara-France.
Ahead of the UFC 317 main event, former UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has publicly picked Charles Oliveira to defeat undefeated contender Ilia Topuria. The lightweight bout headlines International Fight Week at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sonnen expressed his concerns about Topuria's recent move up to the lightweight division, suggesting that the Spanish-Georgian fighter has not undergone the typical physical and mental adversity associated with cutting weight. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Sonnen addressed what he sees as a key issue heading into the bout.
Also read: UFC 317 results prediction: Who will be winner on Saturday night?
“Size does matter your first time up, and my concern with Ilia’s interview is he keeps talking about how much he’s enjoying 155lbs,” Sonnen said. “Suffering is a big part of this game. ‘Have I sacrificed more than that guy? Do I deserve to win?’ He has foregone some of the suffering and some of the sacrifice, and I think Charles is going to wear on him.”
Sonnen added that despite Topuria’s power and early finish potential, Oliveira’s durability and pace will likely overwhelm the challenger. “I think this concept of knocking Charles out is novel, but it’s a very difficult thing to do. I’ve seen people get very close, I’ve seen Charles down, and I just think Charles is going to walk through that fire,” he continued. “I am taking Charles Oliveira by TKO.”
Fighter claims he gave Ilia Topuria his toughest UFC matchup to date
While Charles Oliveira presents a significant test for Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, another UFC competitor has suggested that he gave Topuria his most difficult Octagon experience to date.
During a recent press conference, the unnamed fighter stated he went the distance with Topuria and was the only one to push him to the final bell. The identity of the fighter was not confirmed in the footage, but the statement adds further intrigue to Topuria’s ongoing rise through the ranks.
Also read: Jacobe Smith defeats Niko Price by rear-naked choke at UFC 317, avoids historic upset
Topuria, who has looked dominant in previous appearances, is favored by some analysts and fighters, including Brendan Schaub, who believes he will stop Oliveira within two rounds. However, opinions remain divided heading into the high-stakes lightweight contest.
The UFC 317 card is headlined by two title fights, with the co-main event featuring flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his belt against Kai Kara-France.
