During their first faceoff before UFC 317, Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira engaged in a continuous conversation. It seemed their exchange was strictly professional, focused on their upcoming fight where a new lightweight champion will be crowned.
While mutual respect was evident between the main event competitors, Topuria firmly stated his intention to secure a definitive first-round victory upon his return to the lightweight category. Oliveira, accustomed to such pronouncements, appeared unfazed by the back-and-forth exchange.
Although the precise details of their conversation weren`t revealed, the faceoff commenced with a hug and finished with the lightweight fighters shaking hands, suggesting there is no significant bad blood between them.
This amicable interaction doesn`t diminish the significance of the bout. Topuria is aiming to join the exclusive group of two-division champions, having previously held the featherweight title before vacating it to compete at 155 pounds.
Meanwhile, Oliveira, a former titleholder, seeks to regain his position as the premier lightweight fighter. His resume includes impressive victories over notable opponents like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and two wins against Michael Chandler.
In contrast to the main event, the co-main event faceoff between champion Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France was notably more subdued. This follows a more intense interaction during the pre-fight press conference. Pantoja is aiming for his fourth consecutive title defense, while Kara-France hopes to achieve an upset in his debut title challenge.
UFC 317 is scheduled for Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card will begin at 10 p.m. ET, available on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
