When Ilia Topuria appeared on the JRE MMA Show #166, he declared confidently that his punching power could be deadly in the 155 lbs division. “I know that I’m gonna be able to find that moment where I’m gonna be able to connect that one punch or two, or three punches,” declared ‘El Matador’. He showed his prowess in 2022, winning via KO against Jai Herbert—left to his ribs and a right punch to the head.

Recently, his training coach, Jesus Gallo, vouched for the same as per ABC X MMA. He spoke about Topuria’s punching prowess and said, “This will also be the best hit at lightweight, I do not doubt that. I don’t think there is anyone at that weight to let him have the power he has, so concerning that we are not losing anything. Nor does anyone have any superiority instead of that about Ilia. I believe that at this time it will be the most powerful fight in 155 lbs I can’t fit the slightest doubt.”

To substantiate his coach’s claim, we need to look no further than his last two featherweight fights. The undefeated 16-0-0 fighter was the first one to knock Volkanovski out in the latter’s featherweight run. He also became the first fighter ever to defeat Max Holloway via KO.

The Georgian Spaniard displayed his confidence through some simple words to the Spanish media. The 28-year-old issued a scathing remark for his UFC 317 opponent, saying, “First of all, I’d like to thank Charles for accepting the challenge, Something Islam didn’t do, and he has to pay the price for Islam. Honestly, I feel sorry for Charles, but at the end of the day, it’s my job.”

Charles Oliveira was fast with his reply to Topuria’s ‘apology’. In a recent interview with Full Violence, he said, “We’ve been in there for 15 years. I’ve seen a lot of these guys say a lot of things that I give up, that I’m going to lose, that they’re going to knock me out, that they’re going to finish me, and then when the time comes, they don’t do anything.” The former lightweight champ has made another remark ahead of his UFC 317 fight. Let’s take a look.

Charles Oliveira makes a bold declaration before UFC 317

Oliveira and Topuria are two of UFC’s biggest names, and their International Fight Week bout is one of the most anticipated fights this year. Ahead of this title fight, Oliveira predicted a short night in the cage when he clashes with ‘El Matador’. While speaking to Full Violence, he said, “It’s a great fight, he’s a great fighter. But I don’t need to prove anything to anyone about who I am. This fight came as a huge opportunity. I will knock out this guy. That’s for real.”

The Georgian Spaniard has never been knocked out in his career, and he is entering UFC 317 with an undefeated record. But ‘Do Bronx’ has arsenals up his sleeves, which were visible from his dominant wins over Michael Chandler and Beneil Dariush recently. Oliveira spoke about his powerful punches to Full Violence, saying, “ I fought against Justin Gaethje and everyone said he was the guy who hit harder, and when I did, he went down. I believe in the power of fire in the hands that I have, so let’s wait. On the 28th, we’ll meet.”

Both fighters have tested themselves against some deadly opponents in their divisions. This makes the title fight more scintillating as it approaches. Whose team are you on? Team Topuria or Team Oliveira? Give your votes below!