Former UFC champions face off as Charles Oliveira, the ex-lightweight titleholder, battles Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight championship this Saturday at UFC 317. The event kicks off at 10 PM ET from Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. Topuria, who previously secured a knockout victory over Max Holloway at UFC 308 and defended the featherweight title before vacating it, enters as the favorite with betting odds of -425. Oliveira, who earned a unanimous decision win against Michael Chandler at UFC 309, is the underdog at +330 according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Additionally, Alexander Pantoja is favored over Kai Kara-France in the flyweight championship co-main event. Expert MMA analyst Daniel Vislani offers predictions and betting advice for UFC 317, highlighting his strong track record since January 2023.
Topuria, ranked third in UFC’s male pound-for-pound list, is the first Georgian UFC champion and has won multiple performance awards. He has a perfect professional record of 16 wins with a mix of knockouts, submissions, and decision victories. Oliveira, 35, holds the record for the most finishes in UFC history with 20 and is second in lightweight division finishes. He competes across three weight classes with a 35-10-1 professional record. Oliveira is a former Fighter of the Year and a fan favorite, known for his striking and submission skills.
Vislani also previews other UFC 317 fights, including on the undercard where he favors Hyder Amil over Jose Delgado in a featherweight bout. He praises fighters who combine toughness, endurance, and unconventional tactics. For full picks, betting insights, and promo codes for sportsbooks, fans can refer to expert analyses available on Sportsline.
Fan Take: This UFC 317 showdown between Topuria and Oliveira is huge for fight fans, as it not only features two decorated former champions but also signals potential shifts in the lightweight division’s hierarchy. The bout’s outcome could reshape title dynamics and elevate the sport’s excitement, showcasing the blend of skill, resilience, and strategy that defines MMA today.
