Islam Makhachev Predicts The Main Event as a 50-50 Fight
Islam Makhachev, the former UFC lightweight champion, has shared his thoughts on what is expected to be one of the year’s most anticipated bouts: Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira for the unclaimed lightweight title, as UFC 317 draws near. Makhachev continues to closely monitor his former weight class despite his current focus on testing himself in the welterweight division. His main event prediction is actually just as strategic and well-balanced as his fighting style.
According to Makhachev, the fight is genuinely a “50-50” contest. He clarified that Oliveira’s ground game will be crucial to his victory. Oliveira is likely to submit the younger fighter if he can close the distance, take Topuria down, and work from a dominant position. According to Makhachev, Oliveira is a genuine threat because of his ease in stressful grappling situations and his submissions, which rank among the best in UFC history.
Makhachev, however, acknowledges the danger Ilia Topuria poses in the cage. The unbeaten fighter has repeatedly demonstrated that he needs few opportunities to win a fight. He is one of the most intimidating strikers in the division because of his confident style, crisp boxing, and knockout power. According to Makhachev, Topuria has a good chance of finishing Oliveira early if he can maintain the fight and land his combinations.
Islam’s breakdown demonstrates his respect for both fighters as well as his technical knowledge of the sport. His impartial attitude lends legitimacy to his “coin-flip” perspective of this main event, as he previously held the lightweight title and is now fighting for an additional welterweight title.
Alexander Volkanovski Predicts a Quick Knockout
Alexander Volkanovski, another veteran voice, has something to say about UFC 317. The former featherweight champion has already fought Ilia Topuria in the Octagon, and he lost his belt to the up-and-coming star earlier this year. Volkanovski has a unique view on what fans might expect from this lightweight fight because of his past experiences.
Volkanovski thinks that the main event of UFC 317 won’t go the distance. He thinks the fight will end quickly and dramatically, probably with a knockout in the first few rounds. He says that Oliveira and Topuria are both aggressive fighters who aren’t afraid to take chances. With this kind of attitude and their ability to finish fights, an early stoppage is very likely.
Volkanovski said that Topuria is a fighter who has sharp striking, great timing, and real power, based on his own experience. He said that Topuria is not only sure of himself, but also smart, never wasting energy or movement. Volkanovski said that Topuria’s pressure was hard to deal with and that he is a strong contender, even at lightweight.
But Volkanovski didn’t give up on Oliveira. The Brazilian veteran has finished more UFC fights than any other fighter in history. He can change the course of a fight, even when he’s hurt. Volkanovski said that Oliveira is just as dangerous on the ground as he is on his feet and that it would be a mistake to underestimate him.
Volkanovski’s prediction of a knockout doesn’t mean that he thinks one fighter will win. Instead, it shows that he knows how both fighters fight: quickly, aggressively, and always looking for the finish.
Ilia Topuria’s Confidenc
Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria, who have distinct but similar motivations, are both going into UFC 317 with everything on the line. The unbeaten rising star Topuria, who just advanced from featherweight, is confident and prepared to make an impression in the lightweight class.
He now wants to become a two-division champion, which is an uncommon and esteemed accomplishment in the UFC, after defeating Alexander Volkanovski to win the featherweight title.
In interviews, Topuria has made a strong commitment to defeat Oliveira and make the former champion “struggle” inside the Octagon. He is regarded as one of the most dangerous young fighters of our time because of his accurate striking, knockout power, and control under pressure. He even warned Islam Makhachev that if he goes back to lightweight, he will need to “get in line,” indicating Topuria’s desire to dominate the division in the long run.
Charles Oliveira’s Quest
Charles Oliveira, on the other hand, is determined to retake the lightweight throne he previously occupied and brings a wealth of experience to the table. Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje are just two of the top fighters in the division that Oliveira has faced and defeated.
He is well-known for his explosive submissions and fearless fighting style. Oliveira is more driven than ever to demonstrate that he still deserves to be at the top after losing the title to Makhachev and suffering setbacks like injuries and fight cancellations.
His grappling expertise serves as his greatest asset; if he can defeat Topuria and maintain control of the fight on the ground, his ability to submit could put an end to the fight. Regardless of how the fight turns out, Oliveira is a constant threat due to his resilience and capacity to bounce back from difficult circumstances.
With both competitors eager to win and take home the lightweight title, UFC 317 promises to deliver a massive matchup between Oliveira’s seasoned acumen and Topuria’s growing strength.
How to Watch UFC 317 Live
The UFC 317 will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In the United States, the main card will only be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view. People can buy the event through ESPN’s digital platform. Fans can watch the preliminary card for free on ESPN and ESPN Deportes for several hours before the main event starts. The main card is set to begin at 10:00 PM ET and 7:00 PM PT.
International fans should look up local start times and ways to watch on UFC’s official website or their regional sports networks. Some theatres and bars in the U.S. and Canada will also show UFC 317.
UFC 317 is a must-see event for MMA fans all over the world because the lightweight title is on the line, champions like Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski are making predictions, and two of the best finishers are going head-to-head.
