Ilia Topuria has proven to be one of the most electrifying forces in MMA history. He’s done the unthinkable knocking out Max Holloway, defeating Alexander Volkanovski, and dominating the featherweight division like no one before him. Now, he sets his sights on an even bigger challenge: capturing a second belt in the lightweight division. While the task ahead is massive, MMA legend Demetrious Johnson has backed Topuria to defeat Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 and walk away with the lightweight title.
Talking to Tim Welch, Johnson believes Topuria’s power will be the difference-maker, predicting that once he hurts Oliveira, he’ll follow him to the ground and look for a finish, much like Islam Makhachev did. Johnson made it clear he expects an explosive fight, saying he’d be shocked if it doesn’t end in a knockout or submission. In his eyes, someone is definitely getting finished that night.
“I’m gonna go with Ilia Topuria. I’m betting that Ilia is gonna hurt him, and when he hurts him, he’s gonna follow him to the ground and try to finish him like Islam did. At the end of the day, I’m going with Ilia Topuria, and I know someone’s getting knocked out. If nobody gets finished, I’ll be shocked,” he said.
Jon Jones talks about the rise of Ilia Topuria 📈🌹
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 30, 2025
"Time will tell. One thing that I know from experience, being in this sport for so long, is that it’s difficult to win the belt. It's more difficult to live the lifestyle of a UFC champion and continue being a UFC champion. The… pic.twitter.com/PTrLWvIPRr
Indeed, if Topuria can pull it off, it would be monumental. Taking out Oliveira and claiming a second belt would not only cement his legacy but also skyrocket his star power. His stock in the sport would rise overnight, and his fan base would explode globally. With wins over names like Holloway, Volkanovski, and potentially Oliveira, Topuria would stand as one of the most dominant and marketable fighters in the game.
Jon Jones Shares Thoughts On Ilia Topuria Ahead Of UFC 317
Jones recently shared his thoughts on ‘El Matador’, offering a veteran’s perspective on what comes after reaching the top. He said that while winning a UFC title is tough, staying champion is an even greater challenge. According to Jones, the pressure doesn’t ease as it multiplies. The fame, the media attention, the money, the distractions like women and alcohol all of it hits harder once you’re the champ. He pointed out that only a rare few can truly handle that lifestyle and maintain greatness.
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Indeed, now more than ever, Topuria needs to stay grounded and locked in. Staying humble, sticking to the grind, and surrounding himself with the right people will be key. As Jon Jones pointed out, talent gets you the belt—but mindset and focus are what keep it. Now it’s all about the long game.
