Ilia Topuria predicts quick victory over Charles Do Bronx at UFC 317 and explains why: 'Two or three minutes'

Ilia Topuria is a former featherweight champion (Photo / Reproduction Instagram UFC)

It seems that every day that the UFC 317 approaches, the confidence de Ilia Topuria only increases. The Spaniard, who will have the chance to join the select group of Ultimate double champions, will share the octagon with charles do brox. Even facing the record holder for submissions in UFC history, “El Matador” believes he will settle the score quickly and easily.

In an interview with UFC News, Topuria pointed out Charles' aggressive style as a clear advantage for his game. According to him, the fact that the Brazilian advances from the beginning makes his strategy easier, unlike what he faced against names like Alexander Volkanovsky e Max Holloway, where he had to shorten the distance all the time. This time, he believes that the fight will be decided in the center of the octagon, without the need to press, which, in his view, makes the duel more favorable and less exhausting.

“Stylistically, to be honest, his style is perfect for me because I don’t need to close the distance with him because he walks forward from the first second. For example, if you watch my fights against Volkanovski or Holloway, I had to walk forward the whole time, closing the distance. Against Charles, I don’t need to do that because he will walk forward and we will meet in the center of the octagon. So, it will be much easier for me,” he explained. Ilia Topuria.

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Confident, Topuria predicts a fight based on striking from the first few seconds. In the featherweight champion's assessment, his speed and power will be decisive factors in shaking Charles, who, according to him, will look for takedowns as soon as he feels the impact. Despite this, the Spaniard does not believe the fight will last long and predicts a quick victory, by knockout or submission, within three minutes. He guarantees that, when he faces his opponents in this type of scenario, he simply becomes too good for anyone.

“I think it will be a fight that will be more about striking from the first second. He will feel the speed and power, and then he will start looking for takedowns and ground game. But I believe it will be very, very quick, because I will finish him in the first two or three minutes. As I said, I won’t need to close the distance. We will meet from the first second. And when that happens, I am too much for my opponents. I am too good for them,” concluded the Spaniard.

Charles of the Bronx ignores Ilia Topuria's provocations

Charles of the Bronx after victory in UFC 289. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Accustomed to dealing with provocations throughout his career, charles do brox does not appear to be shaken by the confidence of Ilia Topuria. In an interview with MMA Fighting, the Brazilian downplayed his rival's statements, highlighted his 15-year career in the UFC and recalled that, even though he was often discredited, he always responded in the best way: with great performances and victories inside the octagon.

“I don’t like to talk about it (provocations) because everything we say turns into noise, but I think we’ve been through it, right? It’s been 15 years in the UFC. I was just a kid when I first entered there… I was a kid among lions, and now I feel like a lion among lions, and a different lion, a blurred lion. The last one said ‘Charles give up’, and I went there and got over him. ‘Charles has no hands’, I went there and knocked him out. ‘Charles I don’t know what’, I went there and solved it. (…) If the idea of ​​talking is to shake me up, I’ll laugh. I’m training and I know what I have to do”, said Do Bronx

Charles of the Bronx is considered a 'dark horse' against Ilia Topuria

After the announcement of the duel between Charles of the Bronx e Ilia Topuria as the main fight of UFC 317, the Brazilian started behind in the initial quotes made available by 'Stake'. At the moment Charles appears with odds of 4 which indicates a significant return for those who bet on his victory, that is, every R$20 bet on the Brazilian would yield R$10 in case of triumph. On the other hand, Ilia Topuria is the big favorite, with odds of 1,24, which represents a return of R$1,24 for every R$1 bet on his victory.

Ilia Topuria and Charles do Bronx to face off for lightweight title after Makhachev resigns

the duel between Ilia Topuria e Charles of the Bronx for the lightweight belt (up to 70,2 kg) was announced shortly after Islam makhachev, former champion of the category, to give up the title to fight for the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg). The decision, announced by Dana White, paves the way for the Russian to face Jack Della Maddalena, current belt holder in that division.

Topuria and Charles do Bronx battle for legacy at UFC 317

In addition to the lightweight belt, Ilia Topuria e Charles of the Bronx They are fighting for much more: their legacy. The fight could mark the Spaniard's entry into the select group of UFC double champions, as well as the Brazilian's recapture of the title, something unprecedented in the category. Ilia Topuria faces Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317, on June 28, in Las Vegas (USA).