UFC 317: Charles Do Bronx challenges Topuria and promises epic battle for the belt Por Luís Henrique Costa
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Charles do Bronx takes on Ilia Topuria this Saturday, June 28, 2025, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, for the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317. The fight, headlining International Fight Week, pits the former champion Brazilian against the undefeated Georgian, who aims to cement his rise after dominating the featherweight division. With Topuria’s provocations and Oliveira’s confidence, the clash promises to be one of the year’s most electrifying, marked by aggressive styles and distinct ambitions. The bout follows Islam Makhachev’s decision to relinquish the title to move up a weight class, creating a unique opportunity for both fighters.
Charles do Bronx’s journey to this moment is one of resilience. At 35, he holds the record for most submission wins in UFC history with 15, earning a loyal fanbase for his grit. Topuria, meanwhile, arrives with an aura of invincibility, having knocked out legends like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. The fight is not just a shot at the belt but a chance to establish dominance in the lightweight division.
The matchup gained extra heat from recent statements by both fighters. During UFC 317’s media day, Oliveira emphasized his drive and questioned Topuria’s hunger, while the Georgian ramped up his trash talk, predicting a first-round knockout. The rivalry, fueled by weeks of verbal jabs, has heightened anticipation for a bout that could reshape the MMA landscape.
- Charles’s record: Former lightweight champion with notable wins over Michael Chandler and Dustin Poirier.
- Topuria’s rise: Undefeated in 16 fights, with stunning knockouts in the featherweight division.
- Fight context: Vacant belt after Makhachev’s exit, making UFC 317 a pivotal moment for the division.
- Expectations: Aggressive styles promise a dynamic clash with high-level striking and grappling.
Background of the title fight
UFC 317’s main event comes at a turning point for the lightweight division. Islam Makhachev, who ruled the category, chose to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title, leaving the belt vacant. The decision paved the way for Charles do Bronx, ranked second, and Ilia Topuria, a newcomer to the division, to vie for the championship. Announced by Dana White in May 2025, the matchup sparked buzz due to the contrast between Oliveira’s experience and Topuria’s meteoric rise.
Charles, who won the belt in 2021 by knocking out Michael Chandler, lost it to Makhachev in 2022. Since then, he’s notched key victories, including against Beneil Dariush and Chandler, though he also faced setbacks, like a loss to Arman Tsarukyan. His preparation for UFC 317, under Chute Boxe Diego Lima, focused on countering Topuria’s explosive style with intense striking and takedown defense drills.
Topuria, at 28, brings the confidence of an unbeaten record. The Georgian, based in Spain, relinquished the featherweight belt after knocking out Max Holloway in October 2024, chasing new challenges at 155 pounds. His move to lightweight, however, raises questions about his adaptation, especially against a seasoned opponent like Oliveira.
Contexto da disputa pelo cinturão
A luta principal do UFC 317 ocorre em um momento de transição na divisão dos pesos-leves. Islam Taunts and strategies
The lead-up to UFC 317 has been marked by a fierce psychological battle. Topuria, known for his bravado, didn’t hold back. On social media, he suggested Oliveira would need a “pillow” to “sleep” in the octagon, implying a quick knockout. At a press conference in Spain, he thanked Oliveira for taking the fight but claimed the Brazilian would “pay the price” for Makhachev, whom Topuria accused of dodging him.
Charles, typically reserved with trash talk, responded calmly but firmly. At the media day, he highlighted his experience and questioned Topuria’s drive. “He’s young, unbeaten, but I’ve faced guys like him before. He’ll fall like the others,” Oliveira said. His confidence stems from his history of stunning comebacks and versatility, blending sharp striking with lethal jiu-jitsu.
- Topuria’s strategy: Rely on explosive striking and knockout power, avoiding the ground.
- Charles’s plan: Leverage experience, aim for grappling, and wear down the opponent.
- Key factor: Topuria’s adjustment to lightweight could be decisive against Oliveira’s durability.
Impact on Brazilian MMA
Charles do Bronx’s fight at UFC 317 carries symbolic weight for Brazilian MMA. Brazil, once a powerhouse with stars like Anderson Silva and José Aldo, has struggled to reclaim UFC titles. Since Amanda Nunes’s loss, no Brazilian has won a linear championship, and the last eight main events featuring Brazilians ended in defeats. A victory for Oliveira could break this streak and reignite interest in MMA across the country.
Brazilian fans have rallied online, with hashtags like #DoBronxAtUFC trending. A title win would solidify Charles as Brazil’s top MMA star, attract sponsors, and inspire young athletes. The fight is seen as a chance to restore Brazil’s prominence in the global MMA scene.
Oliveira, born in Guarujá, São Paulo, embodies the Brazilian fighter’s spirit: humble roots, determination, and talent. His journey from childhood struggles to becoming the UFC’s submission record holder resonates with fans. Against Topuria, he faces not only an unbeaten foe but also the pressure of carrying a nation’s hopes.
Tactical challenges in the octagon
The clash between Charles do Bronx and Ilia Topuria promises a stylistic showdown. Oliveira’s aggressive approach, constantly pressing forward and hunting for submissions, has been tested by opponents like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje, who exploited his striking defense. Topuria, with precise boxing and heavy hands, will likely aim to land powerful shots while steering clear of Oliveira’s ground game.
Analysts suggest Charles’s key to victory lies in taking the fight to the mat, where his black-belt jiu-jitsu could shine. Topuria, though versatile, has less experience against elite grapplers like Oliveira. Conversely, the Georgian’s resilience, shown in tough fights like against Josh Emmett, and his youth could play a role in a prolonged battle.
- Charles’s strengths: Elite jiu-jitsu, endurance, and five-round experience.
- Topuria’s advantages: Knockout power, speed, and an unbeaten record’s confidence.
- Risks: Oliveira’s vulnerability to strikes; Topuria’s exposure to ground submissions.
- Prediction: The fight may hinge on who imposes their pace in the early rounds.
Event expectations
UFC 317, part of International Fight Week, is among 2025’s most anticipated events. Beyond the main event, the card features high-stakes bouts like Alexandre Pantoja’s flyweight title defense against Kai Kara-France and Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov. The presence of Brazilians underscores the country’s relevance in MMA, despite recent challenges.
The Oliveira-Topuria fight has drawn attention from fellow fighters. Mateusz Gamrot, ranked seventh in the lightweight division, backs Oliveira, citing his size and experience. Aljamain Sterling, former bantamweight champion, believes Topuria’s knockout power could be the difference. The split opinions reflect the fight’s unpredictability.
Both fighters underwent rigorous preparation. Charles trained at Chute Boxe in São Paulo, using sparring partners to mimic Topuria’s style, while Topuria split his camp between Spain and the U.S., focusing on his lightweight transition. The weigh-in, set for Friday, will be critical to assess Topuria’s adjustment to the new weight class.
Recent history and rivalry
The rivalry between Charles do Bronx and Ilia Topuria took shape months before UFC 317. In March 2025, as Topuria announced his move to lightweight, Oliveira called him a dangerous but beatable opponent. “He’s tough, but lightweights are different. This is the toughest division,” the Brazilian said. Topuria fired back, claiming Oliveira was just another step in his journey.
Charles’s UFC tenure spans over 15 years, with wins over Tony Ferguson and Kevin Holland. His 2022 loss to Makhachev was a setback, but he rebounded with strong performances. Topuria, despite his perfect record, must prove his featherweight success translates to the ultra-competitive lightweight division.
UFC 317 will stream live on UFC Fight Pass, with prelims starting at 6:30 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET. For Brazilian fans, the event is a chance to cheer Charles do Bronx in his quest for redemption and glory, while Topuria aims to make history as a two-division champion.
